Variations on a theme.
There are times when an ep of remixes of the same track is pushing it too much, either because the artist doesn't have any other songs worth hearing or because the record company is trying to cash in. The biggest problem comes from an over-familiarity or lack of difference between the songs but in the case of Outputmessage and their 'Sommeil' remixes, there appears to be enough going on to make the cd worth a few repeated listens.
The lead version is the most commercial, sounding like the bass from Kylie's 'Slow' on a night out with the work of Slam, such is the murky underbelly that meanders under the main section. Its quite punchy and although not having enough vigour to make it into a club classic, as a backing piece or a linking track, it can certainly hold its own.
The remainder of the versions manage to stand apart, so at least you feel there is value to money from the release. The second track takes the same spacey bleeps but slows the pace down a bit and adds in a more ethereal feeling, perhaps blending into one of the indie-dance bands that break out every so often. This would be one of their instrumental link tracks on the album, its nice but unlikely to warrant repeated plays.
The addition of vocals helps the Sleepwalkers remix come to life, bringing to mind Air of Moon Safari era when their laid back vibes were enough to comfortably send a listener off to a contented sleep.
With two other version on board, and the Person remix taking it as murky and close to club-like as the track is likely to get, a lot of bases are covered and it's a handy wee selection but there just lacks that one big killer remix that would make this collection a must have. As it stands, it's an interesting bundle ranging from mid-pace to moderate tempo.