Electric Fling presents MODE – Lo Fi Odyssey review

A cheeky reworking of Frankie Goes To Hollywood aside, all has been a bit quiet at Codek central of late, which is odd because there was a moment in 2010 when In Flagranti seemed to be on a remix or single release every week. The duo have clearly spent the time out of the spotlight well, grooming some new talent in the shape of East London newcomer MODE.

Presented under the same Electric Fling banner as the awesome and strangely under rated release with Rory Phillips and G & S, MODE’s debut release comes in the sprawling analogue delight of “Lo Fi Odyssey”. Set at a pace which will please the slo mo disco fans, this track astounds with the richness of sonic texture. The languid beat is wrapped in a multiplicity of melodic touches from warm piano brushes to twilight Rhodes flourishes and – like all memorable compositions – slips through several subtle rhythmic shifts across its eight minute duration.

In Flagranti themselves are the first to rework “Lo Fi Odyssey”, marrying the pensive piano touches to typically raw syncopation, with the upwards shift in pace complemented by some heavy Detroit style washes and a rough bassline for a refreshingly different sound from the duo. Opting to explore the ethereal capacities of the original, The Stallions (Lovefingers and Lee Douglas) drown the Rhodes melodies in hypnotic delay and add layers of sitar and subtle cowbell for a richly rewarding remix. Maxidisc boss and all round disco impresario Pete Herbert is on hand to steer proceedings back towards the dancefloor with a remix which is propelled by a massive arpeggiated synth bassline. This is one of those releases where everyone involved excels.

Tony Poland