EP Review: Automaton Remixes - Fairmont

Fairmont is Jake Fairley and whilst I'm not consciously aware of having come across his work before he's apparently been in the electronic music world for more than a decade now. This EP follows on from his My Favorite Robot released album from last year, his third album in total.

This release is a remix EP featuring re-imaginings from four of the tracks from that album. The first of these is Last Dance, which receives a remix from Ewan Pearson. Positioned at the beginning of the EP and with an instrumental version of the same remix closing the release out it feels like this is what the label view as the tent pole of the set.

Automaton Remixes - Fairmont

And that is not without reason. Pearson has a proven history of quality remix and production work and he doesn't disappoint here. Last Dance takes the form of a dark, melancholic house record. There is a cinematic, night-driving-down-the-autobahn aesthetic to the record that conjures up visions, aided by the lyrics. "The hardest part is moving on / who knew this song would be our swan / I never meant to cause you harm / but it don't matter who's right or wrong" sings Fairley. It's hard not to question just how final that Last Dance is. The Spanish flamenco guitar that flickers in the background adds a further element of sophisticated, downbeat emotion. It's a quality mix no doubt assisted by terrific source material.

Whilst nothing else quite reaches the same heights the other remixes are good nonetheless. Ryan Crosson (of Merveille & fame) remixes Alkaline, turning it into flowing techno track that applies some touches to give the track an impressive range and melodic depth. It may not have the emotional punch of Last Dance but it certainly shines as a deep track for dark discos.

The Undo remix of Fate is slow and moody, a dark electro piece full of out of step timing and barely whispered vocals. The heavy synths roll over the track, giving it a building, immovable feel.

Tiny Diamonds is the last track bar that instrumental and it gets a treatment from Arthur Oskan. Oskan uses arpeggiated synths to create another dark, sleek remix full of menacing melodies.

Off of the back of this EP I'll certainly be checking out the album, and it's another quality release from My Favorite Robot.

Automaton Remixes is released through My Favorite Robot Records on 25 February.