Phantom Rhythm Remixed
Wharf Cat, 2021
9/10
Listen to Phantom Rhythm Remixed
In 2019 the Beijing duo of Gong Gong Gong brought us one of the most interesting and unclassifiable albums in recent history with the guitar and bass fueled Phantom Rhythm. An exercise in superb minimalism, this remix album culls Gong Gong Gong’s favorite China related artists to cover this widely embraced debut album in its entirety.
“Ride Your Horse” starts the listen with firm keys and fuzzy synth as P.E. injects plenty of percussive and brass stabs with an unpredictable approach, and “Inner Reaches”, by Zaliva-D, follows with a darker undercurrent that tips its hat to post-punk and that might soundtrack a night at the club.
Near the middle, “Moonshadows” displays Simon Frank’s skills amid a hypnotic bass line, frisky drumming and plenty rhythm and psychedelic nods, while “The Last Note” benefits from a warmly strummed guitar and dreamy singing, not to mention some spacey exploration in Angel Wei’s version. “Gong Gong Gong Blues”, the album’s best, then buzzes firmly as nearly tribal ideas enter electronic ambience thanks to Howie Lee.
Landing near the end, “Hotpot” presents a raw and jagged form of folk music in Scattered Purgatory’s very capable hands, and “Wei Wei Wei”, by Wu Zhuoling, exits with a quirky and charming variation of dance music that’s not without worldly influences.
A project that Gong Gong Gong had been planning since they released Phantom Rhythm, the diversity and skill set of the artists present make each track exciting in its own right, as we’re treated to club friendly interpretations, just as we are cinematic moments and more rock focused, psyche manipulation that makes a big impression.
Travels well with: Gong Gong Gong- Phantom Rhythm; Horoscope- Carne.