Holborn Circuit is known for taking pop songs and turning them into pieces of art. His work with tracks from Taylor Swift, Neon Hitch, and Johnny Stimson have proven that even the most mainstream of sounds can be transformed into something that will please the casual listener and music connoisseur alike. This Chicago-based producer has such a mastery of the technical side of the creative process that, despite his obvious efforts to push the envelope, every aspect of his songs (including his interpretation of "Astronaut" here) comes off as effortless, as nothing gets lost or bogged down when mixed in with the rest of the composition. Like a plate spinner, Holborn Circuit keeps the myriad moving parts balanced and in sync, and when his signature flourishes are laid over Paris Carney's already solid single, the result is mesmerizing. Unlike a lot of other remixes that rely on a couple of basslines and one or two synth chords, the builds and drops in this track are complex and challenge your ears to pick up the nuance he mixes into each segment. It's the little things, like when he pulls back instead of letting all the sounds run completely wild, that builds the tension perfectly. This measured approach to the production work pays off dividends in other areas, because when he finally does open up the door and let everything out, you're left with a visceral sense of awe that just wouldn't be achievable if he had given everything away at the first opportunity. It's all brilliantly shaped, and if you're not already familiar with this guys' work, then go check out his other stuff. However, refrain from doing so before you finish this one, because he's folded in some surprises throughout the runtime, and that means that you're going to want to soak this one up all the way from start to finish.
Paris Carney