- A few years ago, the thought of Perc remixing Simian Mobile Disco seemed odd. But that's what happened on Staring At All This Handle, SMD's recent record for their own Delicacies label. The experiment didn't entirely work out, coming off more cartoonish than anything else. Luckily, some of their previous culinary-inspired concoctions have panned out better, including the Cosmin TRG and Roman Flügel collabs. SMD have also fared well with their own straight-up techno, allowing themselves a wonky outburst every now and again (check the original version of "Staring At All This Handle").
The UK duo's latest single, Remember In Reverse, is all about long tracks. "Remember In Reverse" and digital bonus "Soft Attack" exceed eight minutes and are warm, uplifting and melodic. But each one plays to two very different audiences and settings. The title cut is all balmy and placid, taking its time to roll out of lazy recline and onto the dance floor. "Soft Attack," on the other hand, drives straight into it with cymbal crashes from the off. Quirky synth modulations in the latter half offset the disco vibe, but this is without question a retro-tinged SMD party-starter. But DJ Hyperactive's indulgent 11-minute acid trip is the record's real winner. It's the sort of deep, tunneling minimalism that you can lock into as it unfolds.
TracklistA Remember In Reverse
B Remember In Reverse (DJ Hyperactive remix)
Digital Only: Soft Attack