Tiga – Gentle Giant remixes review

Tiga’s sophomore album Ciao! already boasts impressive names on writing and production duties with the likes of Soulwax, Gonzales, Beck and James Murphy. The latter co-wrote and produced the sincere original “Gentle Giant”, sounding reminiscent of the Pet Shop Boys or even more so, Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love”. On this remix EP, three more amazing producers are brought together, each offering very unique reinterpretations.

Loving the first entry by the ever-evolving Dutch producer, Martyn. Pursuing either techno, dubstep, garage, or house, he is always fusing many influences, which making his music harder to categorize with every new release. It also makes his music more interesting with every listen. Here, Martyn takes the loopy hollowness of the original and injects it with new life, breaking the elements up garage style, and adding (for lack of a better term) an “Enigma-like” dreamy effect on the vocals.

If you’re looking for the club version go straight for Berlin producer Efdemin’s awesome tech-house mix. He barely allows any of the original material to penetrate the driving 4/4, jacking hi-hats and rippling pulses, except on the break where it comes up for air with Tiga’s vocals “One step and a little touch can change the way you feel tonight”. The subtlety in Efdemin’s arrangement, and careful builds, are hypnotic.

Mathew Jonson’s heavier, spaced out versions offer a dub and vocal (although the vocal is a digital only affair). The dub version is an absolute killer, rocking a heavier beat, while spine tingling analogue synths replace the vocals. It reminds us of The Human League’s “Rock n’ Roll” instrumental or creepy visions of “Doctor Who’s” opening video. Three different yet talented artists all featured on one great release. Succeeds with good remixes, as well as individually sounding like different songs. Surely on this EP, there’s something for anybody, any mood or any place. Solid.

Review: Shingo Shimizu