Remilixir shows Simon Richmond undoubtedly invigorated by the experience he gained from his work at Talkin' Loud Records; it's easily one of the best-produced trip-hop albums to date, with Richmond showing off a range of influences including jazz fusion, funk, spaghetti western soundtracks, '70s space music, Afro-Cuban percussion styles and even a touch of classical music on the closer "Beethoven Street." Three tracks midway through the album form a beautiful miniature suite; an early acid jazz percussion vibe forms the accompaniment to the jazz riffs on "Osaka" (with
Chris Bowden on saxophone and
Neil Yates on trumpet), which segues right into the restrained acid effects and subtle big-beat posturing of "Trouble Rides a Fast Horse," which jumps in turn to the exquisite
Tangerine Dream sequencer trance of "Flipper." The single "Condition Red" is the highlight of the album however, topping
Tricky at his own game of trip-hop darkness.
Remilixir rarely fails to entice. ~ John Bush