For those of you unfamiliar, Hoodlem is an enigmatic group from Melbourne that creates elusive electronic behind a veil of anonymity. They work within their minimalist aesthetic with a commanding grasp of musical technique, all the while shying away from the public spotlight. Hoodlem’s music hasn't been exempt from any kind of attention, though, as they've been able to attract a modest fan base around the world (including ourselves), and not only have we featured their previous single "Old Friend", but we also invited them to play for us at our Hillydilly Showcase in Toronto earlier this year for Canadian Music Week. However, we're not here for Hoodlem, specifically, but individuals taking a sonic stab at one of their singles, “Firing Line”. The artistic culprit here is fellow Melbourne quartet Rat & Co, who have remixed other prominent Australian bands such as Snakadaktal, as well as crafted their own brand of ambient electronic beats over two LP releases. With this remix here at hand, though, Rat & Co keep the original effectually intact, opting instead to fill the gaps of the minimal framework with additional skittish percussion and sprightly synth arrangements that create a more palatable re-envisioning that will help increase the exposure of both acts. If you like what you hear here from Rat & Co, then be sure to check out their latest LP, Binary, which can be found on their Bandcamp page along with the remainder of their artistic catalog.
Hoodlem