KLARA LEWIS - Thankful Remixes
A remix album can be one of many things; a homage to the original material, a deconstruction/reconstruction of the original material or as found here on Klara Lewis’ "Thankful Remixes" a deeply moving and soulful exploration of the sounds and ideas located within the original works. All participants are a part of Lewis’ Swedish network and were invited to participate, as peers and as friends.
The gifted multi-instrumentalist Pelle Westlin launches proceedings with an intimate and moving take on the track 4U reworking the original emotional reverse tape work into a deeply affecting piece for acoustic guitar, clarinet and voice. Lewis' and Westlin’s paths crossed as teenagers in Uppsala when they were both starting out as musicians and Lewis has since been inspired by Westlins unique fragile tone. Baba Stiltzs’ pivot from House Music to minimal and immediate guitar and vocals sparked Lewis curiosity and after Stiltz invited Lewis to remix his track “Stockholm” earlier this year Lewis couldn’t wait to return the invitation. Stiltz presents another guitar work, one which extends the original material to a unique untethered territory. This cover of the original Thankful is laid bare as the chords found in this work are subtly strummed amongst discreet ambience. The legendary Swedish producer Peder Mannerfelt radically switches gears with his ecstasy ladden dancefloor take on the track Top. Ten years ago Mannerfelt invited Lewis to release an EP on his label and they have since been collaborators and friends. Mannerfelts’ life affirming experimental techno is a constant inspiration for Lewis. A more recent appearance on the Stockholm scene is that of Lokalfrågan, a duo between artist rip ME (Em Silén) and electronic musician bas bleau (Nora Pollak). Lewis describes them as an intimate and atmospheric bedroom band and that is apparent here with their minimal and beautiful take on 4U. To compare and contrast the two versions of this track on this remix album is also a delight lending as they do to the open ended nature of the original compositions. The final contribution is from Erik Enocksson, another of Lewis favourites. Enockssons’ music for the films “Farväl Falkenberg” and ”Man Tänker Sitt” soundtracked Lewis teens in Uppsala. Enocksson brings his signature euphoric melancholy with an effortlessly emotional take on Thankful. Enockssons' version is a moving meld of the original composition with stark edits and powerfully fragile acoustic guitar and field recordings.
The theme of the original Thankful LP was a sincere and heartfelt tribute to her friend and label mentor Peter Rehberg. With this follow up of collaborations Klara extends the gesture with an invitation to her immediate community of musicians and friends. The offer to rework the original material is also a means to show gratitude to the work and inspiration each have provided to Lewis’ own vision. Thankful once again showcases a variety of deeply affecting tracks as tributes and expands warmly on the original material.
