NINA + RICKY WILDE - Remixed Hearts
Written by Vero Faye Kitsuné
2023 gave us some amazing records - so much so that ABSYNTH was compelled to initiate their very first Year’s Best Record’s List. One jewel of a record was Scala Hearts, the collaborative LP by Berlin-based synthwave Queen NINA and legendary British songwriter and producer (and brother to famed pop icon Kim Wilde) Ricky Wilde, released via synthwave label titan NewRetroWave. The record smashed its way onto iTunes electronic album charts and the UK Official Downloads Charts. Now, the duo has released the follow up remix record entitled Remixed Hearts, featuring kaleidoscopic reinterpretations by a diverse lineup of synth and electronic musician-producers. What first started as a remix competition became quite a stunning, colorful end package.
'Fade Me Out' gets an up-beat dreamscape reinterpretation by synthwave artist L'Avenue, while Oscillian gives the same track an anthemic, downtempo noir drama. Wolfclub adds sparkling lights and haze to the palm tree-lined soundscapes of “LA Dreamers”, while Makeup And Vanity Set’s tasteful, minimal and trippy arpeggiated rework of 'Lovers On A Beach’ gives true retro-futurist disco vibes. Radio Wolf harkens David Lynch-esque dark noir in his reinterpretation of 'Causeway' that seems to curiously bring both The Cure and Vangelis to mind.
One of the great surprises and thrills in this remix record is the very grand, full studio ensemble reinterpretation of ‘Videotheque’ by Project K. This glorious and stunning rendition is truly more of a reimagination than a remix that would transport you to the iconic dance floor of Studio 54. And Ricky’s own remix of ‘Living In Sin’ gets an even more rocked out synth steroids against the backdrop of lush, crystalline arpeggios.
Other remixers include Steve Anderson (Brothers In Rhythm), remix maven Initial Talk (Dua Lipa, Kylie Minogue), rising Aussie synthpop sensation Brigitte Bardini, synth superstar Parallels, Slackmachine, Paul Dekeyne, TLF, Electric Penguins, Rayne Reznor, Bearly Disco, Chrisarama, and PYN.
Scala Hearts - The Remix Album* is out now via NewRetroWave. A must-have for all NINA and Ricky Wilde fans.
