Tycho 'Weather Remixes' Review: A flurry of new sounds that remain committed to the joy of the originals
Tycho has a new project dropping this week. Fans, mark your calendars for December 18, as the chillwave legend is set to deliver a remix version of his acclaimed 2019 album 'Weather'.
A re-imagined version of each of the eight tracks from the original, 'Weather Remixes' indulges listeners with its addition of many guest appearances from the likes of Satin Jackets, Com Truise, Christopher Willits and more. The follow-up to the chart-topping 'Epoch' (Tycho's 2016 LP), the original 'Weather' saw the artiste receiving the honor of a Grammy nomination in the Best Dance/Electronic Album category.
When songs receive the remix touch, it's often a worry among longtime followers whether a new rendition will carry the same strength or emotional enjoyment as the original. Right off the bat, we're delighted to tell you that such a concern doesn't apply to 'Weather Remixes'.
Just like the spirit of Tycho's regular music, you'll be set at ease once you hear the first track of the upcoming record. The album carries a flurry of new sounds but, at the same time, remains organic and committed enough to the original sounds. Picture a statue on a dancefloor lit by multi-colored lights. Once a different color shines on the statue, other features are accentuated but the statue remains true and to its post.
In short, Tycho's new project lights up a new beauty to an already loved album which we may have never seen from such a perspective before. Featuring Saint Sinner and remixed by Mild Minds, the opener 'Easy' is brushed by metallic industrial textures with a softened dub-step resonance as opposed to the original which was more vibrant and warm in its sonic resonance.
It also chimes in a darker introduction for the rest of the album (in a non-eerie but dreamy sense) and if we're comparing black and white, 'Weather Remixes' is night and 'Weather' is day. Move on to track 2, 'Pink & Blue' (RAC mix) and the Dido-like quality of Saint Sinner's vocals are heightened with a woodblock beat and pulsing synth. The track also feels aquatic and broader with subtle changes from the original.
Tycho is also known to produce soundscapes with an addicting ambiance that fits well in nature settings or if you're trying to relax or aid concentration for studies. In the Satin Jackets remix for 'Japan' we're treated to a form of escapism for anyone who loves to enjoy a night's drive with infectiously solid music. Additional layers enhance an already rich track with an urban audio aesthetic that subtly tips a nod to the cyberpunk genre.
Listening to songs like 'Skate' (pluko Remix), 'For How Long' (Harvey Sutherland Remix), or 'No Stress' (Com Truise Remix), and you will feel like electronically-charged music is celebrated with a restless blend of house, lounge, and even '80s-'90s dance music.
Our verdict is simple. Whether you're a longtime Tycho fan or a new listener, 'Weather Remixes' is powerfully emotive and transcending with a careful finesse from its remix collaborators that is rarely seen — a must-have.
Tracklist
1. 'Easy' (Mild Minds Remix)
2. 'Pink & Blue' feat. Saint Sinner (RAC Mix)
3. 'Japan' feat. Saint Sinner (Satin Jackets Remix)
4. 'Into The Woods' (Christopher Willits Remix)
5. 'Skate' feat. Saint Sinner (pluko Remix)
6. 'For How Long' feat. Saint Sinner (Harvey Sutherland Remix)
7. 'No Stress' feat. Saint Sinner (Com Truise Remix)
8. 'Weather' (Nitemoves Remix)