There’s no debating that Shapeshifter are one of New Zealand’s most successful musical exports, and it’s not hard to see why. Shapeshifter are quite simply phenomenal and because they’ve proven it to me so many times before, I’m always expecting amazing things with the release of any new singles, albums or live tours. System Remix though, is quite different. The idea for the album is that Shapeshifter have given free reign of their System is a Vampire tracks to local and international DJ’s and producers alike – from superstar Netsky, to Wellingtonian up-and-comer Dhalsim.
I’m always a bit cynical when it comes to remix albums, and it’s especially hard to know how to deal with them when you’re reviewing them. Because I guess, in essence, System Remix is a showcase of the producers who remixed the original tracks as opposed to Shapeshifter themselves. All that confusion aside though, System Remix is pretty badass album.
The opening track Dutchie has been given a faster, funkier overhaul by the always talented State of Mind. However, their remastering of the amazing Electric Dream was definitely one of my favourite points on the album. Speeding up the track and giving it a more echoed sound, State of Mind managed to make the track even more danceable, if you can comprehend that. The surprise highlight of the album is the Dhalsim remix of Longest Day. A rookie compared to the other huge names on the album, Dhalsim gave Longest Day a subtle but fresh rebirth, managing to find that balance between making the song his own while still keeping that authentic Shapeshifter sound, which seems to embody what the album is all about.
One thing that I felt bought the album down was the decision to include more than one remix of each song – The Touch features on the tracklist three times. While the track has of course been given a completely different touch (get it?) by each producer – Netsky gives it a real digitalised makeover while Pacific Heights chose to go the slower, more whimsical route – it’s still hard to shake the feeling that there was a missed opportunity by not including revamped versions of tracks like Fire and Warning.
The collaboration of artists who worked on this album have created what I’ve come to expect from any Shapeshifter album though, and that is to craft music that makes you want to dance, to feel, to go forth and conquer. The many different styles have combined to produce something fun and freaky, and as far as remix albums goes, this one is definitely one for the collection.
Words by Kate McCarten
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About the author sidvicious
One of my favourite quotes ever was by a character I hated in a movie I will never understand. “I will be dying and so will you, and so will everyone here. We’re all hurtling towards death, yet here we are for the moment, alive. Each of us knowing we’re going to die, each of us secretly believing we won’t.” If you know who said it, and if you wished it was someone more inspiring, then we might be soulmates. I love music, although that defines nothing about me, because who doesn’t? Favourite artists include Architecture in Helsinki, The Maccabees, The Beatles, The Smiths, Born Ruffians, Joy Division, The Drums, The Rifles, Say Anything, The Libertines, Eminem, Shout Out Louds, Darwin Deez, The Knife, Vampire Weekend, The Cure, The xx, Hellogoodbye, Crystal Castles, MGMT, Casiotone for the Painfully Alone, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, The Naked and Famous,
