- They don't sound inspired, but these Villalobos remixes of a 2018 hit are loaded with detail.
- "Poisoned Words" is the slightly less interesting B-side to "String Theory," an incredibly lovely house track that was released last summer by Lazare Hoche, Malin Genie and S.A.M. as Mandar. The lead remix here of "Poisoned Words" is less interesting than the original, and in turn, the second remix is less interesting than the first. But, overall, all of these tracks are still interesting. If you're at all confused, that's probably because Ricardo Villalobos is in the house.
Even when he's sounding less inspired, as he is here, there's usually plenty to be said for a new Villalobos track or remix. This is, after all, the artist who's managed to spend 20 years making subtle variations of the same long, detailed-orientated minimal tracks without denting his reputation for genius. Unless your name is Ricardo Villalobos, it might be smart to stick with playing the original "Poisoned Words," which has a dusky atmosphere and a super satisfying bounce. "Remix 1" isn't his most outrageously weird rework, but it's the type of glitchy, hollowed-out groove that makes the most sense at one of his early morning fabric sessions. A stuttering beat and a doubled length mark out "Remix 2" from its counterpart. I'm going to double back on myself here—while this version is certainly less effective, it actually is more intriguing, with the eventual vocal shadings and random modular accents providing the ear candy. Like plenty of Villalobos's work, this is probably one for your best home speakers rather than your next DJ set.
TracklistA Poisoned Words (Ricardo Villalobos Remix 1)
B Poisoned Words (Ricardo Villalobos Remix 2)