‘Lama’ is the new LP released from Ukrainian-Canadian duo Ummagma, and is another big step into the music wilderness, as they don’t restrict themselves by creating music without boundaries.
The LP is an interesting and bold release from the duo, as the LP contains the original version of the song, along with a number of remixes completed by a number of talented people.
The original obviously starts the LP off, and is exactly what you expect from Ummagma, the unexpected. It drifts from side to side the vocals float like a feather over the driving guitar in the background. The composition of the song is expertly done, as they have left nothing without thought, each piece has been tactically placed there.
The sounds of sputnik takes the first remix, and completes an interesting job, by slowing the track down slightly, and making it even dreamier than the original. The Mind Movies remix takes the track completely another way, by introducing a number of new elements including clapping and noises you’d only really get in space. Then the pace completely slows down as the vocals take over, as it slowly lingers on.
The Copycat remix of the song takes the song into the 80’s with a drum beat that could make the most grumpiest person jig. This remix works really well as it fits the profile, and makes the chorus so much bigger by enhancing the vocals, and accompanying with other elements. Theatre Of Delays remix does what it says by delaying the intro and slowing the whole song down completely, only to pick it up in the end. When this dance/club beat is introduced the song takes another turn and delves into a different style, but one the song can take.
Go Nogo’s remix possibly adds the most elements without editing the vocals, as the introduction of synths and new guitar riffs bring a completely different aspect to the song. Irregular Disco Worker’s remix turn the whole song on its head, as makes It sound completely removed from the original. The introduction to the quick beats and swirly pop parts really make a difference, the breakdown with the vocals and the glaze over the top of them brings an interesting sound out of the vocals.
As interesting and diverse the remixes are, the original still takes the crown for being best on the LP, as it sounds like a dream from start to finish. However there was a choice to be made on the remixes, the Copycat remix would take it simply because of the slight 80’s twist.
Words by Alex Wise @al4563
Words For Music - New Music Reviews 