Omar – The Remixes review

Artist: Omar
Title: The Remixes
Label: Peppermint Jam
Genre: Funky/Club House
Format: Digital
Buy From: Juno Download

British Soul ambassador Omar will forever be associated with his debut smash, smooth classic “There’s Nothing Like This”. But there are many strings to Omar’s bow, including collaborations with Common, Erykah Badu and Stevie Wonder, and now these wonderful remixes courtesy of German label Peppermint Jam, run by Mousse T.

“Lay It Down” gets a deep and soulful house treatment from Andre Lodemann, who gently brings in Omar’s cooing vocals while reigning in the beat, only to kick back in with some genius disco stabs. On a more pulsing techno vibe, Show-B takes on “Your Mess” and lets the full acapella flow over a moody soundboard of acid basslines and constantly evolving strings.

Triad (the collaborative project of producers Henree, Bass Tikal and LF Flow) take “Stylin’” out for a proper deep rubdown – juggling tight hi-hats, long lingering strings and some lovely spaced out synth stabs, all the while balanced perfectly around Omar’s multi-tracked vocals. Triad also turn in an adventurous mix of “Lay It Down”, which comes in at 170bpm and is loaded with sparse and fidgety drums. It’s a great change of pace and vibe, and really gives the remix collection an edge without sticking out like a sore thumb.

Review: Oliver Keens