It was inevitable The XX would eventually succumb to the Dubstep treatment on one of their classy remix twelves. I'm unsure what to make of the Untold re-rub of 'Islands'. I can tell it's good but i'm still thrown by the arrangement. The cool, morphing sub-bass textures and clip-clop beat are entwined with vocal snippets from the original which just glide in and out of this rather unusual piece of progressive electronica. It ain't a Ministry of Hounds floor destroyer for sure. More of interest possibly is an elegant & atmospheric version by legendary 80's Scots pop classicists The Blue Nile. A total contrast to the contemporary maneuvers of Untold, this is a sumptuous & beautiful re-jig that is only let down by its relative briefness! Further investigation on the second side reveals Nosaj's mix to be a meditative & cerebral treat which retains the songs harmony & feel, merely giving it a sublime 3AM post-club makeover. The last version by Delorean is quite new-agey but still lovingly executed. Nothing cringeworthy here, they've chosen their remix army instinctively & knowingly! Noice!!
Love this record? Hate it? Tell us.
What their label says...
Tracklisting
Untold Remix (4.52) The Blue Nile Remix (2.28) Nosaj Thing Remix (2.25) Delorean Remix (4.40)
Other items by The xx
Basic Space The xx 12" (vinyl), £3.99 Sorry - sold out.
Basic Space The xx 7" (vinyl), £5.99 Sorry - sold out.
Crystalised The xx 7" (vinyl), £9.99 Sorry - sold out.
Islands The xx 7" (vinyl), £3.49 Sorry - sold out.
