Terraforming in Analogue Space: IRL Remixes 2000-2015

This double album compilation curated by Nick ‘Dubulah’ Page celebrates the 100th release of IRL Records. It is a masterclass in different approaches to the remix. Transglobal Underground add bass-end and chunky beats to Tinariwen that work well against their electric guitar-centred sound. Justin Adams’ ‘Desert Road’ gets widened and stretched out to the horizon by Dub Colossus’ atmospherics. Syriana approach Lo'Jo's ‘Sur des Carnets Nus’ with sensitivity and a sonic adventurousness that'll make you yearn for a whole album of deconstructed Lo'Jo tunes. But top prize goes to Penguin Cafe's remix of Acholi Machon's ‘Convoy’ for being such a delicate, nuanced thing.

But it's not all good news. It's hard to even locate Xaos's hauntingly atmospheric ‘Processional’ beneath Stereo Mike's lumbering misstep. It's there somewhere – like the sound of a tiny transistor radio drifting over from a neighbour's garden – but not to the extent of doing the track justice: some tunes should simply never have a programmed beat spot-welded onto them. But because the second CD has all the originals, you can decide for yourself who is mercilessly trampling sensitive, organic performances into the mud and who is bringing something fresh and invigorated to the table.