X-Press 2 Feat James Yuill – Time review

Artist: X-Press 2 Feat James Yuill
Title: Time
Label: Skint
Genre: Funky House/Vocal House/Disco House/Soulful House
Format: 12″, Digital
Buy From: Juno Records, Juno Download

Skint’s big hit makers X-Press 2 return with another collaboration driven cross-over anthem. With British vocalist James Yuill on board, “Time” signals a return to the dancefloor for the trio. Backed up by remixes from the seemingly unstoppable Riva Starr and New York based producer, Feygin who is a particular favourite of X-Press 2 themselves, this is a strong package that does the emotive original every bit of justice.

Famous vocal collaborations litter X-Press 2’s back catalogue – who could forget David Byrne’s vocals on their number two hit “Lazy” in 2002, their collaboration with Kurt Wagner on “Give It” and 2008’s partnership with Rob Harvey on the club smashing “Kill 100.” This time, the trio team up with British folktronica star James Yuill. His skills as both a songwriter and vocalist have made him the perfect fit with X-Press 2’s sound. Emotive and heartfelt, the vocal performance sets the track alight and when added to driving basslines and big chords make it an instant dancefloor hit.

The first remix comes from up and coming New Yorker, Feygin who strips the track back to the bare essentials and lets the vocal do the work. Adding ample effects to the aforementioned vocals, he creates a haunting atmosphere that pulsates its way from beginning to end. Riva Starr’s first of two reworks is a big room, driving house remix. It is full throttle territory, perfect for peak time madness on the dancefloor. His dub version carries on in much of the same vein but removes the vocals, making the driving sub bass the star of the show.

Put simply – this is a fantastic package from Skint. Alongside a brilliant original and radio edit that have the potential to rule the WMC later this month, we also get three different but equally commendable remixes.

Review: Tom Jones