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After Dark (The Remixes) (Essenger)
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I think Essenger's "After Dark" is, despite being one of my favourite albums, a rather difficult project to remix well, but I also think that — for what it's worth — these remixers have done a pretty neat job at adding something to this tracklist. Yes, I've linked the deluxe version, because, like the original, that's the only one available on Spotify.



  1. Blood Moon - Capturelight Remix - Alright, this remix is simply superb. The frantic break drives the DnB along nicely, but despite the faster tempo, the atmospheric drum n bass captures the smooth atmosphere of the original "Blood Moon" perfectly. This truly feels like a drive into the sunset, especially with Essenger's vocals punctuating it brilliantly — Capturelight, I applaud you. (84/100)

  2. Empire Of Steel - Young Medicine Remix - Young Medicine's fast-paced rock take on "Empire Of Steel" is actually very tasteful, feels great to have a more EDM-adjacent cut off this package and Young Medicine executes — this was also a good fit for it. (79/100)

  3. Empire Of Steel - PRIZM Remix - The big trap sub and hi-hats feels a little disingenuous but I'm a big fan of the vocal work that's been done here by PRIZM, and they manage to add enough progression to the track to progress their way out of tropey production with strong percussion and some great synth runs. (78/100)

  4. After Dark - Protostar Remix - Protostar brings some meaty neurofunk basslines to the title track, and, honestly, with a constant drum n bass backing beat, this neurofunk has some pretty great moments and the drops feel true to the original whilst maintaining their own flair. Mix can be a little crowded, but a strong remix. (77/100)

  5. Downfall - Direct Remix - No funny business here — Direct doesn't mess with the vocals, doesn't mess with any of the flair that the original held, he just adds his own garage beat and lead stylistics and calls it a day. And it's great. (76/100)

  6. Lost Boys - MIDNIGHT CVLT Remix - Bass house is an... interesting choice... but it actually works? I mean, sure, MIDNIGHT CVLT does hit all the orthodox dance-oriented notes which wouldn't typically be a fit for the original "Blood Moon", but the way he sound designs this remix feels just as well-made as it is groovy. (76/100)

  7. Offworld - Defsharp Remix - Slowing down Essenger's voice is an interesting choice, but defsharp makes it work with the more expansive soundscape. The climax of the build is a little weird but, however strange it is, the dubstep switch is kind of nasty. (75/100)

  8. Exopolitan - LVWZ Remix - Some brighter synths and some deeper ones that really roll around, LVWZ keeps this remix very engaging and intriguing all the way through, mostly in the powerful drops and the progression that permeates the verses. Can be a bit loud, but I don't mind it. (73/100)

  9. Downfall Remix - Mazare Remix - Mazare has somewhat killed the whole vibe of the original and replaced it with driven neurofunk, but it's still pretty gas. Short and sweet remix, and I'm a little on the fence about it, but it's going in the playlist nonetheless. (72/100)

  10. After Dark - DreamReaper Remix - A French-house-adjacent remix that maintains the cyberpunk influences of the original, but I can't help but feel as if it's a little confused. Verses are sick and builds are sick (especially the build to the final switch) but it doesn't really end up going anywhere. (63/100)

  11. Half-Life - Korescape Remix - Creative beatmaking, but Korescape doesn't really bring anything super interesting to the track. Could be worse though, I suppose. (61/100)

  12. I Can't Rely On My Memories - Kazukii Remix - Remixing an interlude means you're running on very minimal source material, and I commend Kazukii's efforts in expanding the atmosphere on this one, but it's just not enough. (59/100)

  13. Half-Life - Cyazon Remix - Cyazon brings a lot of grandeur to "Half-Life", and some of these synth runs really work, but unfortunately the main bass sustain kind of hurts my ears. (57/100)

  14. Offworld - Extra Terra Remix - Extra Terra has literally just added more synthwave to what was already a very synthwavey track. Yeah, I dunno, synthwave is great and all but "Offworld" was already a very strong track and just slapping extra synth runs in doesn't really do it justice. (55/100)

  15. Empire Of Steel - Nightcore Mix - My assumption is that there was marketing demand for this, but it does feel a little unnecessary. Not big on the hardcore-esque stylistics of it, nor am I big on the changes to the vocal that come with speeding it up, but it could be worse, I suppose. (52/100)

Average track rating: 69

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