Tag Archives: pretty lights

It hasn’t even been a year yet since producer extraordinaire Derek Vincent Smith, aka Pretty Lights, wowed us with A Color Map of the Sun (and of course, who can forget the remix follow-up or outtakes found in The Hidden Shades?). Riding a seemingly endless wave of inertia, he’s back at it with his first “new” material since, remixing “Savages” from powerhouse electro-rock quartet Five Knives–one of three solid remixes for Red Bull Editions’ remix campaign.

True to PL style, this one starts subtly, cuing you in with vocal teasers, dialed-back stabs and strings before a sashaying reveal about 40 seconds in, a danceable beat resonating and effortlessly carrying the vibes deep into the song. The real magic happens about halfway in, as the song swells and all arrangements combine. All energy elegantly lets loose, underscored with a healthy helping of permeating, buttery bass that satisfies the drop-hungry club-goer and the laid-back lounger all at once. It’s not a drop; it’s a denouement.

I’m always hungry for what’s coming next, and this track’s sure to tide anyone over for a long while. It’s an exceptional blend and, as always, showcases Smith’s reworking chops on top of an already powerful track. And while DVS might have the limelight here, keep a close eye on Five Knives, who are already raking in rave reviews. They’re currently hard at work on their debut album. Until then, be sure to sample their EP, The Rising.

Related items:

• Electronic
• Remixes