Cesium_137- The Fall, Version 2

Artists: Cesium_137

Album: “The Fall, Version 2”

Label: Metropolis Records

Reviewer: Robert Eaton

Date: 8/30/09

Metropolis’s Cesium 137 release of “The Fall V 2” is a digital-only E.P. of remixes. The E.P.  also includes album versions of “Language without Lies” as well as “Burned by the Light,” and remixes by Assemblage 23 and others. A remix album, if it’s going to find its way into a lot of listener’s hands, needs to offer novel interpretations of the songs. In this case, more than half the E.P is remixes of “The Fall,” an there doesn’t appear to be a standout mix that will become a “must-have” for DJ’s or listeners. A stand out track is usually what’s needed for an E.P. like this one to become a sought-after purchase. The GASR remix of “The Fall” adds a shimmering poppy synth to the track, but looses its way in too long an interlude.  The Matrix remix blends into the versions that preceded it. Assemblage 23 does a remix that’s technically proficient, but ultimately, it’s a song that builds slowly. It’s a great re-interpretation of the song. It’s interesting, but not enough so, I don’t think, to carry the rest of the songs. The Morgan Particle remix of “The Fall” adds some interesting drum and bass-type programming, but unless you are a fan of techno, you might just skip to the next track. It seems sensible to dismiss as a play for a cross-over market. The Oubok remix is perhaps the most interesting remix on the album, and makes the biggest impression of this selection of remixes.  The remix is faced-paced enough and aggressive enough to bring out the best aspects of the song. A lot of what is on this release seems like experiments that didn’t work, but this one does.In the end, fans of Cesium 137 will probably find plenty to interest them in this particular release. However, those that aren’t, won’t be swayed by this particular set of song and remixes. There’s too little variation from track to track, and no real stand-out tracks on the E.P. The whole thing is very slick, but it lacks any tracks that really hit hard or surprise.