HOH - We can work it out
RATED: 8 / 10
reviewed by Steffan de Turck
21-5-2008

Norwegian HOH presents us an eclectic mix of 2 original tracks and 3 remixes that would do good on an after-Barbeque partyfacts
LABEL
[ Zang: Records ]

RELEASE
[ We can work it out ] [ CD ]


Other reviewed releases of HOH

Ha! The last time I reviewed the HOH track “We can work it out” on the NuMusic sampler (NUCD#02), I wasn’t that keen on it and now he sends me the whole EP! I guess I’m in need of some closer listening.

HOH is Helge Olav Øksendal, composer, arranger and artist, living in Stavanger, Norway. Labelboss of Zang:Records and not to be mistaken with the illustre Hafler Trio, Current 93 and Psychick TV collaborator, Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson, who goes about by the same initials. On the “We can work it out” EP he presents us two original tracks and three remixes by befriended electro-boys. Although having a background in the more experimental electronic music, this mini album certainly (and without a doubt) places itself firmly in the dance section of electronic music.

The original track of “We can work it out” is present here in two versions: the normal 12,5 minute version and a 4 minute radio version (HOH takes his goals seriously and very well so). It was the radio version I got acquainted with on the NuMusic sampler and after hearing the full version, I can safely say that it’s too short and, by doing so, stick to my original verdict. I do have to correct my opinion on the presence of the vocals. They seem to be more well placed in the long version, get more time to flower and have a purpose. Something that the short version lacks, but that’s probably a sacrifice you have to make to get some airplay on the radio. As said before, it has a clear Orbital feel to it and I like that a lot: to me it brings back good memories of the nineties. The remix of “We can work it out” is done by .P (Pål Asle Pettersen) and is a tad bit darker in vibe than the original. Things sound muddy and industrial in this one, as if the sun has gone down after the original. Nice track nevertheless.

The other original here is “Lovebreak” and is backed with two remixes. Starting off more minimal then the title track and displaying an overall late seventies sound (think Cabaret Voltaire and Fad Gadget). This is mainly due to the old school synth lines, drum patterns and the sinister British male vocals. Along the way it travels the time machine towards early UK electro. Maybe this track ends a bit too quick, but it certainly is a nice one. The DJ:WOO (Eivind Søreide Solsvik) remix really takes it into contemporary dance music and gives it a maniacally breakcore twist. 2nd remix is taken care of by QRT (Kurt Bolianatz), which on his turn places the track into an uptempo kind of lounge style; the synth lines become warmer and dustier, spiced up with a rolling French progressive house rhythm.

Quite an eclectic mix this EP; would do good on an after-Barbeque party.