The best remixes are those that can change the color of a song, while somehow still maintain the groove and feel of the original.
It’s similar to reading a book as a child, and then re-reading it as an adult or with movies; time provides a new perspective on a favorite. HWLS captured that idea perfectly with their stellar remix of TOKiMOSTA’s “Realla” featuring Anderson Paak.
Gone is the timid trepidation that Tokimonsta plays with in the original track. It isn’t lingering and whispering anymore.
HWLS deconstructed all aspects and thrusted it into a new stratosphere – albeit a dark, broadening soundscape. The howling wind in the beginning seems to be hallowed out more, perfectly enveloping the darker vision HWLS has for the track.
It’s brooding, sinister, and broader in its scope. HWLS sets the tone at 0:40 with thick, clean, wide drums. Gone is the growing climax, but instead a consistent and constant pulse grooving you throughout Anderson Paak’s vocal gymnastics that dances with the shuffling bass drums. As the song progresses, it morphs and evolves with tiny variations, additions, and stylistic choices to peak the listener’s ears.
