Good Tiger
Redux

Release Date: 2019 | Tracklist

As time progresses, sometimes change is necessary for bands. This is evident with bands shifting to a more accessible sound from the likes of The Contortionist and Bring Me the Horizon. Whether it was the result of the records label's demands or their own mutual decision, it seems that Good Tiger wants to try their hand at this as well. Here, the band brings forth "Redux", which has the band members themselves and several of other EDM artists have a go at changing up some songs from the LP "We Will All Be Gone". With this record being a remix of songs from Good Tiger's previous work, the new sort of the sound should serve as successful alternatives from the original source material, right?

Unfortunately, that's not the case here. Although there are some notable artists here such as Infinity Shred and Jake Bowen that have their own take on these songs, the shift from the previously rendered progressive metal tracks into various forms of mainstream EDM doesn't sit well. The vocals from Elliot seem to be utterly butchered for the sake of mixing with the electronic elements on remixed tracks like "Such a Kind Stranger" and Jake Bowen's take on "Float On". Examples of such are alterations to the vocal notes as they appear extended and adulterated to match the slower tonal pace the remixes embody. Not only that, with the bleak tone of the lyrics at hand, the EDM-esqe compositions clashing heavily with the vocal content and hardly meshes with the accompanying sounds. Another example of how the vocal/EDM mix falters is Infinity Shred's take on "Grips Shoes". Despite it at least having the qualities the artist incorporates in their own work, combined with how extensive the vocal notes sound makes the song appear to drag as it progresses. On the other hand, there are some redeeming qualities and ideas on the remixes that would make for some fine standalone tracks although ultimately subtracting from the material it's working off of. To give credit where credit's due, Ahh-ceh's warping and trippy synths on their remix of "Blueshift" combined with the extended vocals notes works just fine (Despite using generic EDM instrumentations and elements here and there). Though it feels that this remix is the only one that at least effectively adds something different and serves as an alternative in some regard.

As EDM and trip-hop seem to take the forefront on this EP, there appears to be light at the end of the heavily remixed tunnel. The acoustic rendition "Salt of the Earth" makes a complete 180 from the previous tracks as it uses live instrumentation to break up the pace. In fact, I would say this rendition is more effective than its original with the acoustics since it emulates a more down-to-earth feel with how grim the lyrical content appears to be. Though this track and the aforementioned remix seem to be the only renditions that at least acts as an additive from it's original. And even still with its scarce positives, there's hardly anything to write home about on this record. To some, the material on this Redux EP might come as a shock, especially those familiar with Good Tiger's previous LPs. Whether this record is a tell for what type of music the band wants to encompass in the future, it ultimately feels lackluster in terms of how it sounds as a result of succumbing to mainstream accessibility.

Overall Rating: 2/5
Standout Track: Blueshift (Ahh-Ceh Remix), Salt of the Earth (Acoustic)

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2.5 average