Drop Down Remixed

Sensual, ambient and decidedly electronica, Alexis/Alexander is an electronica downtempo duo fronted by beloved Portland vocalist Jo Alexis and Los Angeles-based Richard Alexander, who backs Alexis with a moody mix of electronic synth wizardry (hypnotic drum and chord loops) and organic acoustic guitar stylings. The pair’s latest release takes the soulful, ethereal, title track from their recent “Drop Down” EP and gives it the remix treatment with three intoxicating new interpretations by two of Portland’s most promising DJs/remixers. The original track is a 1:41 minute song primarily comprised of Alexis’ angelic vocal and beautiful acoustic guitar finger-picking. Reminiscent of a mantra or chant, Alexis goes from velvety soft to soaring heights as she woos repeatedly, “Go drop down with me. Oh, new ground with me. Go drop with me. Close so close.”   The first track and first single from this intoxicating remix EP is David Kaufman’s “Psychonaut Shake-Up” remix. David Kaufman is a talented multi-instrumentalist and filmmaker, who has re-imaged and re-sculpted the original track into an epic remix integrating drum ’n’ bass-speed beats interspersed with breaks of angelic glory. He takes the listener on a journey, mixing the agony and the ecstasy exuded in the original vocals. In addition to remixing this exclusive track, Kaufman was the videographer for two videos from Jo Alexis’ Portland band, Happy For No Reason (“Don’t You Think You Want To” and “My Old Friend”). His short film, “The Old Man and “The Seaweed” has recently received rave reviews. In addition to the original “Drop Down” single, the EP is rounded out with two exclusive remixes from Portland-based DJ Alexander Johnson, who goes by the producer/DJ name of DJ Deep Tissue. In addition to his DJ and remix production work, Johnson is an electronic music composer whose music often blends ambient and minimalistic soundscapes with classically-inspired string arrangements. DJ Deep Tissue’s “Warrior Remix” is a downtempo interpretation that incorporates filtered strings and guitar fuzz to create an atmospheric chill-out track. Similar in tempo, his other EP contribution, the gorgeous “Angel Remix”, layers various heavenly synth melodies and arpeggios on top of Alexis’ equally celestial voice. When Alexis purrs, “That hole so deep. You make me sing,” the listener might almost reach personal auditory nirvana.