Today we wanted to bring you a song that holds a special place in our collective Binary hearts. After nearly a year since the release of their record Pink + Blue we have the third single from LexiconDon, “Set Sail”. Acclaimed by many as their favorite song on the album, it seems fitting that this whimsical R&B ballad marks the end of a long journey with this record as the band continues to make their next album.

 

I’ve always appreciated the contrast that “Set Sail” brings to Pink + Blue, which is otherwise filled with the pop romps of “Student Body” and “Boy vs. Girl Pt. 1″, and heavy hitting ragers like “Heart Attack” and “Hollywood Sound”. And while the band’s more sensitive side can be heard on tracks like “December Sunset” and “Pink + Blue”, “Set Sail” really sets itself apart with its slower tempo and introspective nature. As the ghostly synth pads slowly build from the beginning and then open into a verse accompanied by frontman Alex Koon’s pained vocals, the song always makes me think of those critical moments we face in life from time to time; the moments that we feel like we’re at a crossroads…the moments that we need time alone to figure something out. To me it sounds like a walk through a park, or a stroll by the beach with only the sound of the waves and the full moonlight to accompany our thoughts. And as the song progresses and continues to build, it sounds like a moment of clarity, dripping with the bittersweet realization of change…leaving behind what we’ve known, accepting what’s to come.

LexiconDon – Set Sail by LexiconDon

My favorite part of the song is at the 4:00 mark, at the peak of the buildup, as the outro hook soars over everything we’ve heard and learned through the rest of the song. I remember the first time I heard this song it made me think of Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror”. Obviously those are some big shoes to fill, but I think in both of these songs’ nature, it’s about realization, and growth, and I’ve always felt like both songs musically represent these moments through their structure, the way they melodically build on themselves, and in their deeply disguised sadness that soars into a positive glimmer of hope.

Along with the single, we’ve got a great collection of remixes from some of our favorite artists, all of them putting a different and unique spin on the original. Chicago’s Only Children supplant the vocals over a beat that brings me to the dark streets of NYC. It always sounds pretty DFA to me, with it’s disco bounce and clean drums, with the addition of lots of harmonized stabs and lots of air breathing through the track. It’s a very groove based track, until the chorus comes in, flipping the mood of the song onto its head. I also really like the chopped vox and how they interact with the groove as the song continues on to the end.

LexiconDon – Set Sail (Only Children Uppers Downers Remix) by LexiconDon

LexiconDon – Set Sail (Fiero Remix) by LexiconDon

Our good friends Fiero definitely harnessed the emotional spirit of the song…something they’re always great at. I really like how they changed the rhythmic placement of the vocals, something that is immediately catching on the ears. It’s funny how little changes like that can totally reinvent a song. When I listen to this track I can’t help but get flashes of a John Hughes movie soundtrack in my head.
LexiconDon – Set Sail (Flash Mode Remix) by LexiconDon

The Flash Mode remix brings the French house to the table, despite being Australian. The fluid bassline bounces around the song, rhythmically dancing with the vocals. The phased guitar and talkative synth that gets a couple solos in the remix make this one a great DJ track…complete with a big filtered buildup.

LexiconDon – Set Sail (Worship Remix) by LexiconDon

Swiss producer Worship speeds this track up a bit, which is a welcomed adjustment. I really like what was done to the chorus of the song in this remix…it’s a different type of chord progression than the other versions. In a four chord progression, I always think that the third and fourth chords are what really determine the direction and feel of a song, and this remix takes a refreshing chance at those points, and I think it really pulls everything together in a nice way. I also love the harpsichord-esque solo in the middle of the track.
LexiconDon – Set Sail (Jemex Remix) by LexiconDon

And last but certainly not least, our friend Jemex gives us a remix that sounds most in line with LexiconDon’s style, I think. While departing from the ballad nature of the original, and making a remix that’s more fitting for the streets, the drum rhythm that isn’t a standard house four to the floor beat gives this remix a nice bounce and a unique feel. Jemex is the producer side of NYC-based blog BoomBoomChik, who has always been a good friend and supporter of Binary and LexiconDon, and we’re happy to have this remix from him.

Be sure to check out all of these artists soundcloud pages to hear more of their great work, if you haven’t yet done so. We know our Binary readers are on top of things…

And to hear more from Pink + Blue, you can find it on iTunes here…