The NextMen - The Lions Den Remixes [EP]

Universal Music

September 17, 2009, 02:56 PM

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by robinrenwick [More from this Author]

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Brad Baloo and Dom Search (The Nextmen) have already released “The Lions Den” Single and this follow up release features six remixes. Having reviewed the original single, I was slightly intrigued as to how the six different remixes would match up to the catchy and current sounding original.

First up is the “Club Mix,” which is longer than the original track and features an Orbital-esque synthesizer intro that then moves into a breakdown which wobbles and builds its way back up into a Breakbeat / DnB inspired main section. Next Up (pardon the pun) is the “Clean Radio Edit” which has the very wobbly bass that was present in the original but shortens the song to fit into the 3 minute radio play template.

Third up, and this is where the release starts to get interesting, is the “Sigma” remix. Sigma has done some fine vocal chopping and effecting, and given his edit a very bouncy beat. Sigma has stripped down the original completely and added some nice crowd effect samples to the catchy chorus. The overall effect is quite good and the chopped up vocal sample gives the Sigma remix a quite trippy, “K” inspired feel.

The “Truth Remix” takes 'The Lions Den' down a straight 4/4 beat Electro House territory, where the real stand out is the synthesizer work by “Andy Cato” (Groove Armarda). The synths are done in a call and response style with the bass and the lead twisting, turning and merging into a very pleasing whole. This call and response theme is also brought through the vocals and the overall effect is a very well produced remix.

“The Man Like Me Remix” is the fifth offering on "The Lions Den Remixes” release and probably has the best beat of the lot. It is a stripped back offering that couples the lead synthesizer and vocals to a wobbly bass and an 80’s inspired arpeggiated synthesizer.

The “Rudimental Remix” is an all out Grime offering that takes 'The Lions Den' back to its roots. Here the chorus is brought again to the fore and the catchy singing by “Ms Dynamite” carries the “Rudimental Remix” well, as it does with the original version.

“The Lions Den Remixes” collection is a pretty broad ranging catalogue of styles and production values, but in truth the original track probably remains the best. I have stated previously that 'The Lions Den' has an immensely catchy chorus but unfortunately this catchiness gets lost among all the production trickery of the remixes.