Birmingham`s psychedelic cosmic explorers Solar Eyes begin the new year with the release of ‘Crooked Orbit’ EP, a collection of five remixes of tracks from their acclaimed ‘Solar Eyes’ album from 2024.
“I’d had this idea of doing a remix EP, as I’d always loved remixes of Primal Scream, UNKLE and Death in Vegas,” explains singer Glenn. “The ‘She Kissed The Gun’ remix on the EP sounds like it’s from something off ‘XTRMNTR,’ which is my favourite Primals album. Then it all sort of fell into shape, and it’s even given the songs a new slant. It’s been joyous hearing the remixes coming in.”
Lead-off single ‘She Kissed The Gun’ (Hibs mix) is faster paced and has a kind of James Bond trippy psychedelic feel which adds some Asian tinged vibes on route along with a kind of Chemical Brothers meets Primal Scream trippy aura. The track nigh on bleeds into ‘Bulldozer’ (Hibs mix) an exhilarating mesmeric listen that blends Glenn`s vocals in a kind of fusion that has a slight touch that hinted towards Kasabian when Tom Meighan bossed them.
‘Life Goes On’ (Looking Glass Alice Remix) comes from the talented psychedelic London pop duo whose interpretation sprints along at times and reminded me a little of early Prodigy and sadly missed The Shamen. A hypnotic mix that had electronic vibes, magnetic pounding beats, organ hues culminating with a final psychedelic cool down. Tom Ford is a fellow Brummie, a renowned producer and guitarist who has collaborated with artists such as Reuben James, Poppy Ajudha, Jay Prince, and Chris “Daddy” Dave and the Drumhedz. Tom also played a big part in Solar Eyes at the beginning of the band. He adds his talents to ‘Alcatraz’ (Tom Ford Remix) which retains some elements of the original but has a delightfully soulful jazzy sense about it. It reminded me of some of the stuff Polish nu-jazz djs, musicians and producers Skalpel (Marcin Cichy and Igor Pudło) did.
The ultimate cut ‘Take Me To The Man’ (Liam McKeown x Liam Connolly Remix) comes from the flair of Solar Eyes bass player Liam Connolly and guitarist Liam Mckeown. A final compelling listen which really draws you into its spellbinding depths and layers.
There was much to enjoy with the ‘Crooked Orbit’ remix EP which gave a uniquely different and interesting slant to some familiar tracks. There`s been hints of new music due from the band in a few months time so this extended play will go somewhere to sate those that can`t wait.
Rating 9/10
