It seems that oftentimes these days, “remix” means distorting the vocals and adding an obligatory dubstep drop. Which is why we were so pleasantly surprised when Wize, a Parisian pop electronique virtuoso, took LA four-piece Saint Motel’s “Ace In The Hole” and made it somehow more melodically delicate and energetically eloquent. And even though we can't claim to be Francophiles, it just feels a bit more… French.
The original masterpiece from the Cali quartet can certainly stand alone, presenting a direct and dramatic power-pop narrative (think more like our Friday cup of tea). But on this freezing Wednesday afternoon in NYC, this remix is our soul-warming, heart-lifting flavor of choice. Wize loses the brass and the bold baseline in favor of a soft, decorous dusting of synth that melts into the lilting, easy-going tenor of A/J Jackson. The track begins humbly with soft electronic notes, joined by a percussion-laced base at :15, and we’re greeted by the vocals at :35 – setting the tone for a comforting bouncing melody that feels as familiar as the early 2000s when The Postal Service first brought twinkling synth into our speakers.
Saint Motel’s progressive indie sound has quickly gained them notoriety, and in a roundabout way/through creative venues, i.e., an MLB broadcast and Boardwalk Empire trailer, encouraging sports lovers and cable watchers to be indie-educated, too.
Stream the remix & then study up on the artists via their social pages below.
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