Purnima Remixed - Makyo - Review

Artist : Makyo
Title : Purnima Remixed
Label : Dakini Records
Release : June 2014
Genre : Ethno Ambient, Psybient, Psydub
Mastering : Gregg Janman / Hermetech Mastering
Rating :

Back in 2012, ethno-ambient musician Makyo released a four track EP "Purnima" made up of his recent live recordings. This was essentially one take recordings of the live five piece Makyo band setup. It reflected the sound that the group and leader Gio had been perfecting in live situations in clubs and events in Japan over the previous year or so. Well received, as most things Makyo are, the EP represented a chance for fans living outside of Japan to experience some of the magic of a live Makyo event. 

Fast forward to 2014 and Makyo has delivered a remix version of that EP in the form of "Purnima Remixed". This is quite a tantalizing idea I think as it allows new life to be breathed into the original album while keeping both distinctly separate thanks to a live vs studio based pairing.  

Track 1 - Soma (Jinniyah Remix)

Jinniyah is Makyo's latest side project - a live and studio based setup that includes tribal dancers on the road. You can check out  some videos of this new project here :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haENlIPYips
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5357yHvpCU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saxHnQhB7Vs
 
So essentially here we have Makyo remixing his own music. An excellent tune with plenty of the signature Makyo mandolin like sounds, ethnic tribal chants and dubby feedback delays. 

It's been spiced up with a bit of a heavier bass sound that takes its inspiration from psystep wobbles but doesn't sound the least bit cheesy. If there is one thing you can say about Makyo's career - he has never sold out nor released a poor track. Every thing he does is gold. For this reason he is one if the most respected artists in the ethno downtempo space and long may it be so. Beautiful spacey tune that unfolds like a wondrous exotic flower. 

Track 2 - Mystic Fire (Geomatic remix)

The second remix comes from Geomatic, a name I wasn't  so familiar with. One listen to this remix and I know you'll want to know more! This is the cats pajamas, the bees knees, the bomb no less. Deliciously dark deviations into divergent dynamics abound. A quick search online took me to their homepage which revealed a back catalog of incredible music while more searching opened up a world of avid fans and gushing reviews . Check them out at the link above but be warned you may not leave your computer for the next hour or two.

Track 3 - Madana (Rowl Remix) 

The third remix is provided by Rowl. This is a kind of dub techno psyglitch hop cross - Yagya meets Kayla Scintilla if you like. It's three for three so far. This tune takes the original version and strips it down to its spiritual tighty whities. So deep its subterranean. An earth within the earth. Hollow echoing spaces in ungodly places. If you like this be sure to check out Rowl's sublime 3 track E.P from last year "Egipto".

Track 4 - Nebusoku (Mirror System remix) 

The final remix track comes from Mirror System ( aka System 7 ), a duo who are no strangers to touring Makyo's Tokyo hometown. First thing of note about this tune is how well it mixes in from the previous tune. So well in fact I had to check my player to make sure there were 4 tracks here and not  3 ! 

The original version of this track is approximately 14 minutes long. The remix is about 9 minutes. Both songs are a little repetitive at first listen but subsequent listening to the subtle changes in rhythm and arrangement in both create a greater appreciation. I really dig this tune and I'm starting to wonder if Mirror System works best as a remix project as opposed to their original chilled tunes - the remix of Tripswitch's Cartwheel track for example - superb tune.

Final Thoughts 

Purnima Remixed is a wonderful example of how to create an unforgettable remix ep. It takes the live experience and delivers something fans can appreciate once again on a whole new level. Which is really what a good remix album should do. Here we have creativity that fits the original with the modern to produce a seductive blend of ambient world music. 

I hope Makyo decides to put out more remix albums in the future. Imagine his classic albums like Shringara and Yakshini remixed by the ethno psydubers such as Dessert Dwellers, Kaya Project and Phutureprimative !  That would be mouthwatering indeed. 

Purnima is available now through the Makyo Bandcamp page.

You might also be interested in these mixes featuring Makyo :

- World Ambient Mix : PsyAmb 23 
- Ambient Chilout Mix : PsyAmb 30