Mesh: An Alternative Solution

Artist: Mesh

CD Title: An Alternative Solution

Label: Metropolis

Genre: Synthpop

Website: https://www.mesh.co.uk/

Reviewer: Reg Davey

Date: 7-13-11

Remix albums are interesting. They certainly give a sense that the band has “made it” in the eyes of their peers (either that, or it's a cynical ploy to get out of a contract, or to keep the fans happy whilst the band comes up with their next album). Thankfully, I sense in Mesh's case it's the former.

This is a band that has been around at the forefront of the Synthpop scene for nearly 20 years now, a not inconsiderable achievement in the world of music. Along the way, they have arguably influenced an entire generation of Synthpop and EBM bands that have followed in their wake.

The album contains some absolute gems of remixes of the frankly flawless album “A perfect solution” by friends that have been made over the last 15 years. They really do add an extra-dimension to the music on offer by marking their own indelible stamp on the tracks in question.

For example, track opener “If We Stay Here”, which has been remixed by Zeromancer, gives a guitar-heavy sound to the track, making it into a crunching masterpiece of dark electronic rock. The Iris remix of the “Is it so hard” lends an introspection to the track that is simply beautiful, and evokes the emotions masterfully, a simply perfect synthpop tale of broken love. Daniel Myer gives his trademark dark-edge to “Hold It Together”, on what is arguably the most interesting version on the album. And the Assemblage 23 remix of “How Long” is probably now one of my favourite tracks in the alternative genre at the moment. As for the rest of the songs... well, you'll just have to buy the album and see for yourself, eh?

As far as production values go for the album, they are nothing short of flawless, adding real depth and clarity to it. An absolutely essential album for both DJs and fans of Mesh.