Minimums is a shadowy figure who keep their identity a secret although, given the futuristic focus of their releases, I would not be surprised if there wasn’t a brass time machine in their garage. ‘Away Home’ is the first taste of a forthcoming EP and gives not only the single version but a glorious remix from progressive house artist Siddhartha Says.
The track opens with a swirl of chords that feel like sun shining through a stained-glass window, and as you start to feel the warmth on your skin the preternatural vocals of Pippa Sarratt come in. There is a core strength to Pippa’s voice, and she is able to convey amazing sensitivity whether it’s in the quiet passages or the moments when power is applied, and she soars. Everything is understated and perfectly placed in the mix from the beautifully picked guitar reminiscent of ‘Teardrop’ by Massive Attack, sliding strings from violinist Chloe Meade, and the marshmallow synth-bass which provides a gentle bounce. Also, dropping the beat for the chorus is very clever as it adds a reflective note to a song which Minimums says is “about coming full circle but learning about what you really want from the journey”.
Siddhartha Says’ remix uses synthesisers and arpeggios like sun lamps to dial up the warmth and quicken the pulse. If the original version is like lying on a beach then the remix is a jog back to the beach house for cocktail hour. He says, “I strongly felt the warmth in the meaning of this song, particularly the powerful feeling of what it is like to “come back home”. The remix is about pouring this warmth into an embrace of uplifting, melodic, deep, and progressive sounds”. He has achieved in spades by creating a version that feels like an invigorating and uplifting sonic shower.
I suspect Minimums is like an electronic Batman, happiest working at night when the dials glow at their brightest and there are no distractions to stop the ideas flowing before listening back as daybreak starts to creep over their secret hideout. If only I was able to borrow Minimums’ time machine then I would visit the future so I could hear the full EP.
Minimums socials: Bandcamp | Instagram | X (Twitter)
Siddhartha Says socials: Facebook | Instagram | X (Twitter)
Lyrics:
The further you go, the closer you are
You’ve come full circle, you’ve travelled so far
With every step, every ocean view
Every forest landscape, now a part of you
Sometimes you have to go away to come back home
Sometimes you have to leave to want to stay
Each fleeting thought, whether dark or bright
Just let them be silenced by the morning light
A billion indecisions, pitfalls on the way
you can’t get it right all the time, just do your best today
Sometimes you have to go away to come back home
Sometimes you have to leave to want to stay
Review by Paul F Cook
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