For O’Spada, this is our second time writing up this Swedish five piece band and it may not even be the last. From the falsetto, anthem-ready vocals of front woman Julia Spada to the groove heavy synth pop, disco, funk band backing her up, this crew was made for soundtracking good times and thus made for Binary. Their music has an eclectic mix of elements that stays cohesive while incorporating elements of many genres. The sound is solid, a throwback to sunny days filled with laughter, smiles and enjoyable company. Just good music with a broad appeal. That retro feel is in full effect but in a genuine way, you don’t feel like there is any hidden agenda. O’Spada is just doing what they do and we are big fans.
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First off is “Time” (Daktal Remix) Melbourne brothers Jacob and Jerome Farah A.K.A Daktal, take the splendid original and turn out a piano tinged almost Kanye West circa “College Dropout” flavored version that bounces oh so beautifully. The smile starts forming as the song begins to build and is accompanied by an almost involuntary head nod as the beat drops and makes the song whole. Sampled vocals at an accelerated pitch, in and out of the mix and quietly chopped in the background, a soothing upbeat serenade for a glorious celebration. Loving this remix.
Next up are two remixes by none other than Binary Dreamwave impresarios and stone cold pimps (too much?) NightWaves. The song is “Ten Strikes” and NightWaves have approached/tackled the sweet original with two different but equally awesome treatments.
O’Spada – Ten Strikes (NightWaves’ Sunday Morning Remix) by NightWaves
The first is the “Ten Strikes” (NightWaves Sunday Morning remix) the track opens slowly, synthesized sweetness, a clap and straight clean beat, the bass line drops, the vocals drop; just an atmospheric, groovy mid tempo jam. NightWaves has a knack for developing a song. Like a photo in the darkroom slowly changing form and design. First the basic shapes and outline appear and gradually the entire picture is readable. Complete and so much more than it originally looked like it would become. Great original, supreme remix.
I’m going to try to get back on your track. I’m never going to straighten up my act.
O’Spada – Ten Strikes (NightWaves Midnight Fire Remix) by NightWaves
The next selection is “Ten Strikes” (NightWaves Midnight Fire Remix). Up the tempo. I am feeling this one as well. Conjuring…summoning?…visions of dance floor tomfoolery and debauchery this version hits the club. The Binary flair is noticeable and it is fun to hear NightWaves approach this territory so directly and with such a straight forward but classic outcome. Somehow the tempo and arrangement transforms the vocal track, shifting R N’B Julia Spada into Diva songstress Julia Spada . Studio 54 finesse with a Dreamwave flair. It’s the synth work, an underlying feeling like something is about to happen, a new beginning, a pleasant introduction. Good work Guys, on the pimping and the remixing respectively. Well Done. Check out O’Spada and their terrific “Pay Off” album as well as NightWaves. Diverse quality sounds from some talented musicians. Enjoy!
