Electrique Boutique co-founder and former AMF blog guest Carl Higson’s 4 track remix EP Setting Sun is not one to miss. The Cumbrian based DJ and producer has crafted a gorgeously moving track in Setting Sun for label Manual Music. A perfect blend of driving dancefloor energy and moody undertones which give both euphoric highs as well as allowing for moments of introspection. 

Pre-order / grab your copy on Bandcamp now 

The other tracks on the EP have been given over to remixers who add their own stamp on Carl’s original. Each takes a slightly different approach, bringing unique elements to the fore in their own versions and provide 4 refreshingly individual takes on one track.      

Carl’s original is a brooding, prog house builder punctuated with moments of clarity and light. It reminds me of a mellow Gui Boratto track crossed with Ian Pooley and early Tale of Us. A track designed for big rooms and the all important dancefloor journey. It’d work well any time after midnight, its hypnotic rhythms are built to draw dancers in. Its swelling bass and plucky synths are interspersed with some terse piano notes and ethereal vocals all brought together into a powerful big room weapon.   Eyes closed, sway on.

The Matthew Sona remix switches up the formula with syncopated tribal drums and a more focused groove. Designed to get itchy feet moving it still retains a proggy house feel that makes it feel at home in most DJ sets. The driving bass and occasional arps give the track a kinetic energy perfect for when the lights are down low. 

Paons version swings back to a more brooding proggy house feel opening with a repeating low synth note, like the bell of a church, drawing dancers towards it. As the track opens up more harmonies are added to create the lushest soundscape on the EP which is underpinned by scatty hi hats and percussion.  

Closing off the EP is Eyal Rabia’s remix. A decidedly wonkier affair featuring Ferriman-like synths notes and an off kilter arpeggiated bassline. The Italo-esque vibes are here and I’m all over them. A late night dancefloor mover it could cause equal parts joy and dread in the club. The addition of a piano mid-way through the track goes some way to break the tension before diving back into it with gusto.    

All in all a brilliant EP. Pre-order / grab your copy on Bandcamp now