The End is Where We Remix
Posted July 01, 2013
By JJFrancesco_NRT, Staff Reviewer
A few months back, Thousand Foot Krutch showed off how well some of their songs from The End Is Where We Begin translated to a remix with their Metamorphosiz EP, The End Remixes Vol. 1. In an age where remix albums seem to be growing ever more popular, TFK showed that their music could hang with the best of the techno and dubstep kings.
It was pretty clear by the "Volume I" designation that a follow-up wouldn't be too far off, and that bring us to Metamorphosiz II - The End Remixes, Vol. 2, featuring more hits from their most recent studio album making the jump to remix.
"Fly On The Wall (The Robbie Bronnimann Mix)" opens up the EP and is an exciting transformation from the original. While the original was an emotional mid-level rock number, the remix version sounds great as an electro-dance number. The song's emotional depth remains and McNevan's vocals gain even more nuances set to this electro beat.
The theme of speaking to our vices through the context of a dream and declaring that we're ready to move on remains solid and perhaps takes on new meaning in the new setting.
"The End Is Where We Begin (Solomon Olds Remix)" is Family Force 5 frontman Soul Glow Activatur's faster-paced take on the title track. It's a clever transition and helps to add a new layer of excitement to the song.
"Courtesy Call (Rui Da Silva Remix)" is next and opens with the strings similar to the album version plus some of the album's memorable creepy voice introduction. The song was always perhaps a logical candidate to be remixed as it sounded much like a club song the first time around. And a lot of rock elements are still present, with electronic elements added in between and over these elements.
Unsurprisingly, this one turns out really well and feels like one of the more natural remixes on the collection. "The mark you make is up to you" is also a great message to bookend the song. Of all the songs, this one feels the most like it could've passed as the original.
"Down (Andy Hunter Remix)" is an appealing take on the rap number and the electronic beats actually work out pretty well, perhaps better than the original. The song about standing up to critics who put you down offers a positive message and the new coating of paint makes it a positive club-ready tune.
"Be Somebody (The Robbie Bronnimann Mix)" offers a bit of a slower electro beat, appropriate for a slower song. The original album version was one of TFK's most emotional singles yet. The beat adds some welcome eeriness and tension to the chorus, and some delectable piano hooks add an intriguing kick to the track that I really like. The emotional power of the original is mostly present here. While this isn't likely to replace the original on TFK playlists, it's good enough to merit it's own space there.
"So Far Gone (Joshua Silverberg Remix)" has a more ambient take on the track than the stripped-down original. This approach offers a different angle on the intimacy of the song. Some of the electro elements, restrained though they are compared to the others, could use to be dialed back even more. The piano and synth backing was enough to add a different take to the song—although the electro beat does make for a fun bridge. Still, the track is a definite success as a remix and is a great way to close out the album.
As a rock fan, I'll still probably always prefer the originals for the large majority of these remixes, as I do with most remixes. But as one who isn't generally a fan of remix projects, this EP was a pleasant surprise and offered some fun and memorable takes on the originals. Whether they are an improvement or not will depend on individual tastes, but I'll at least be giving these some playback in the future.
Closing Thoughts:
This is a great second half to TFK's remix EPs. There are new facets of depth revealed through these remixes. It's a satisfactory holdover until the next full-length TFK project. Whether you like remixes projects or not, it's definitely worth your time at least giving a few listens to.
Song to Download Now:
"Courtesy Call (Rui Da Silva Remix)" (Get it on iTunes here.) View All Music And Book Reviews By JJFrancesco_NRT | View JJFrancesco_NRT's Profile
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