Take it or leave it, but remix EPs are usually crap. They might be an interesting addition to your collection, but when compared to the original tracks they're almost destined for disappointment. Remixes may also only be valuable when searching for a more danceable alternative, but they're usually satisfactory enough when listening to them alone. This year, The Notwist finds its superb Neon Golden album remixed as Different Cars and Trains EP. Predictably, this remix EP doesn't convince me in the way its predecessor did.
Two remixes are by the band's own keyboard and programming wizard, Martin Gretschmann, who was a key element in creating the innovative sounds that made Neon Golden so worthwhile. He makes a woeful mistake, though, by turning the songs "Neon Golden" and "Pilot" into unimpressive tracks. Both are based on one small sample from the original song that has been mixed over a four-to-the-floor beat. It's hard to believe that these remixes are made by the same guy who was responsible for the creative use of sampling on the original recording of Neon Golden. The Loopspool version of "Pilot" isn't an improvement, either; although, it's certainly brave of him to remix a Notwist song into a reggae dub track.
Then we have "Red Room," the only new Notwist song on Different Cars and Trains. Unfortunately it turns out to be a tedious and self-repeating instrumental, sounding something like a cross between "Pick up the Phone" and "Neon Golden." In fact, the only song that might make this purchase close to worthwhile is the Four Tet and Manitoba remix of "This Room." The two friends/producers add a welcome enhancement to the already prominent drums of the original by waxing them into a complex breakbeat. With the addition of more strings, the track shifts from its original melancholic frame of mind to a more comforting and nurturing one. However, clocking in at over eight minutes, it's (again) too tedious and repetitive.
With only one track being "agreeable," it'd be pretty difficult for me to truly recommend this EP without crossing my fingers. The only thing it succeeded in was giving me an uncomfortable feeling in the bottom of my belly, but if that's what you're going for, be my guest.
1. Neon Golden
2. Pilot
3. Red Room
4. This Room
5. Different Cars and Trains
More about: The Notwist
