This review was supposed to be posted a week ago, but I have been extremely pre-occupied with other things. Here it is.
This is the latest single from UK duo Erasure. They are back with their current album Nightbird. "Breathe" is a breath of fresh air. Opening the CD-5 is the Radio Version. This is a downtempo, electro style that beckons you to play it over and over again. The vocals from Andy Bell. are in top form, as is the instrumental. Next is the Album Version. This one starts very differently from the Radio Version., but is equally enticing. Strangely, both versions are almost the same length. There are only some minor differences. Then we come to to track 3, "Gone Crazy." This is another downtempo track. The vocals are a bit more subdued than they were on "Breathe." This isn't a bad track. The filtered guitar/synth sounds in the middle sound very retro, like some of the 1980's stuff by Depeche Mode. Next is a track called "Mr. Gribbers and His Amazing Cat." This is an amazing piano-based instrumental. Despite being only 2:40, it packs the punch of a much longer piece. The is deeply haunting while it is uplifting. Then it is back to the "Breathe" remixes. The Acousic Version comes next. This is an excellent mix. It is very light on the ears in its stripped down form. The guitar on this version is noteworthy. Adult contemporary and chillout stations should have jumped on this treasure. Pete Heller's Phela Mix comes in with a bang! Deeply electro and beat-heavy, this mix is perfect for playing with all those Armand Van Helden, Felix Da Housecat, Mylo and Miss Kittin songs. It fits right in easily. The echoed vocal adds some depth to the track. Immediately following this is LMC's Extended Mix. This is a trance/hi nrg mix. Many elements from the original version are present in this darker mix. There is only some resemblance to LMC's recent work in this remix, but the quality of the production lets you forget that other remixes they have done have a similar sound. A radio edit should have been included of LMC's mix, but it wasn't. Import releases of the single included the edit. Finally, we come to the When Andy Bell Met Manhattan Clique Extended Mix. Almost completely driven by the bassline, this version builds greatly on the original version. This is a good alternate mix. This too has a retro feel. All in all, this maxi single is worth purchasing. In addition to the multiple mixes and other songs, the music video is included. This is an essential single for DJs and Erasure fans alike.
