The Vanishing/Von Iva--Frisco Disco Vol.1
Princehouse 2004
Some of the most inspired new music coming out today is from the world of synthpunk. Two of the best bands doing great things in that general direction are the Vanishing and Von Iva. This Frisco Disco Vol.1 split 12" not only unites these brilliant outfits on record, it exemplifies how good a dance remix can be when done right. Ready or not, prepare to shake it.
The Vanishing christen this platter with a fresh new original track in "Idle Eyes." With its throbbing, infectuous synth line, this may be the most danceable thing they've ever produced. Still, all that Siouxsie-esque gothic darkness these folks do better than anyone else is here, making this cut a potentially more accommodating ease-in for newbies, while at the same time a nice expansion of their sound for the diehards. This take should be enough on its own to get any dance floor moving but the Jefrodisiac/Zazueta remix is here to resoundingly cover that base, just in case. This team does a good job of dialing back the bleakness and exploiting the inherent melodicism of the song. That said, you never lose sight of the fact you're listening to a Vanishing cut during this remix and that respect for song makes it a winner.
Von Iva debut on the B-side with their offering "Not Hot To Trot." Needless to say, these ladies present you with an exciting listen, coming off like the Phantom Limbs being fronted by Tina Turner. This track feels just as much in the rock n' roll arena as it does in the synthpunk/new wave realm--Von Iva's ability to straddle and blur these genre lines is very compelling. The Invisibles' remix focuses in on the sexy delivery of vocalist Jillian, substituting nice analog synth sounds for the original organ backing. This redux puts "Not Hot To Trot" in a much more rigid new wave context, adding a very epic feel in the process. This is another case where all the elements that made the original song great were respected, providing a fitting finish to this flawless slab.
It's one thing that both the Vanishing and Von Iva give such inspired performances here, but the quality of the remixes makes this disc a no-brainer grand slam. There's no question this is all about the original cuts, yet the expanded and tweaked versions are just as listenable and tastefully executed. Whether for private savoring of song or your next dance party, Frisco Disco Vol.1 is sure to blow minds. Excellent, from any angle.
Score this 12" directly from PRINCEHOUSE
OR
Get info directly from VON IVA |
