2021 was a very solid year for electro-industrial record label Artoffact Records out of Canada. Some of the more incredible cuts from this compilation come from The Hafler Trio & Reptilicus, Cevin Key (from Skinny Puppy), Kælan Mikla with Alcest and of course, Canada’s own Front Line Assembly-related project, Noise Unit. A really good introduction to a pivotal record company.
A good remix album should have the same song remixed by several pros and not sound a thing like the original. I think Nigel & Derek of Tunnelmental have pulled it off in this three-track album. The original track is a bouncy raver with the sampled refrain, “Life is a state of mind.” I can agree with that. Track two is remixed by Tony Byker, whose previous remixing work I’m not familiar with, but he ups the bpm to make this into something actually dancefloor-ready. The final track is a house-style reworking by Derek which closes the EP quite well.