Previews

Alex Rubio – Shadows In The Night E.P [MEXA Records]

by Admin December 4, 2013

Behind MEXA’s recent success is the dual roles played by the label owners, Louie Fresco and Alexx Rubio. For the label’s latest outing, it’s Rubio himself who takes the reins, as he teams up with Mr.Fresco for a release that’s typical of the label: different, intriguing, eclectic and stunning from the first beat to the last.

It’s the majestic title-track that opens the EP, with its varied synths and its washy pads stirring up a track that joins the dots between home and club listening with distinction. A real tightrope walker, its straddles the genres but keeps our attention firmly intact thanks to its many unlikely tones – with even an electric guitar finding favour.

The first of three remixes arrives thanks to German producer Marc Poppcke. Poppcke opts for a different approach, with an intense range of percussion and a muffled, almost convoluted bassline among its prime moments. Daring but effective – it’s indicative of Poppcke at his most devastating.

Maher Daniel (another producer who’s really come to prominence of late), lets the drums do the talking on his off-kilter remix, before Nicola Cruz leads us on a late-night journey down the rabbit hole that’s filled with hypnotic melodies, whirling melodies and a multilayered vocal that breathes a tangible human edge into the track. It’s gorgeous stuff – and a fitting finale to a truly spectacular effort.

Out on: Dec 23 2013