Owl (Low Remixes) is a compilation of other artists' remixes of the Duluth, MN. trio
Low.
Low is known primarily for their subtlety and ambience, and none of the eight remixes stray too far from the band's trademark sound. The songs are deconstructed and reworked by several renowned artists/DJs, such as
Tranquility Bass (aka Mike Kandel), Skull Valley Dub (aka Tom Chasteen), and
Jimmy Somerville/Sally Herbert (
Somerville was the lead singer for '80s hitmakers
Bronski Beat). The album's opener, "Down" (by
Porter Ricks), may test the listener's patience, since it's nearly 15-minutes long and very minimalistic, but later remixes make up for it. "Laugh" by
DJ Vadim is a definite highlight, as is the upbeat "Anon" and the moody "Do You Know How to Waltz," both remixed by
Neotropic (aka Riz Maslen).
Owl (Low Remixes) is definitely recommended to ambient admirers and hardcore fans of the band, but newcomers may want to start elsewhere. ~ Greg Prato