Digitalism is a German electronic, dance punk duo consisting of Jens Moelle and Ismail Tufekci. They have been together since 2004 and released plenty of singles, an EP, but no full length album as of yet. Digitalism has also released many remixes of various artists. They are certainly one of the most prominent and prolific electronic groups in the scene right now.
.Digitalism – “Taken Away”
“Taken Away” is a pretty basic track, it’s electronic down to its core, with a multitude of sounds from machines. Plenty of keyboards, synthesizers, computers, bleeps, fuzzed up guitars and echo-y vocals. It’s actually not a stellar track on its own but a wonderful song to remix and spruce up, just as the artists below have done so. This track is very mellow in its delivery and certainly needs some intrigue blown into it.
.Gooseflesh Remix
By far the best remix and the one I listen to when listening to this song. It starts off with a great kick, a slow billed up and a smash in of sequencers and synths. It’s much faster than the original, with the vocals pushed a little back to make room for the new, exciting sounds trampling over the original composition. It has great cut ins of distorted and fuzzy keyboards and guitars. This mix really roars for the dance floor and causes the feet to tap, which the original fails to do. It’s a pretty cool, sleek number.
.MMMathias Remix
MMMathias usually does exceptional remixes in a style all his own. And by that I mean he makes a new composition of the track he touches whereby it becomes barely recognizable. However, here he seems to barely touch the song. This mix comes off as a mixture of the original and the Gooseflesh remix. Most of the sounds are intact, it’s a little faster, aided with a heavier bass and drum beat, and a prolonged bit of keyboard bleeps. In all honesty, it’s actually a little bland.
.Justice Remix
Definitely an interesting one here. Initially it follows a long the same pattern as the others, i.e. heavily utilizing the main, sequenced bleeps of the original. The mix quickly comes in with full force. It’s super fast, super adjusted to splash on distortion, move pieces in and out, continuously built around the main bleeping riff. No real vocals here but enough of a variety to keep things interesting. I think this mix would be great for a car chase, there’s just so much urgency.
What are you talking about? Their debut album, Idealism, came out in 2007, 15 brilliant songs. You should listen to it.
Research fail. Their full length is great. I eagerly await their next one.
-tim