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This of course sounds like a hellish combination, but the new focus on arrangement and the high production values make this an essentially inoffensive slice of experimental-disco-fusion-cheescake. There are echoes here of the post-punk psychedelia of The Flaming Lips and Postal Service, Beck’s electro-alternative and Jamiroquai’s smooth chart-friendly acid jazz.

The track perhaps didn’t warrant four remixes (a bonus track or two would also have helped to make this appear a more worthwhile purchase), and to the casual ear the lack of harmonic movement makes them sound repetitive. A second listen reveals a wide range of effects and textures, and subtle variations in mood and arrangement between versions.

Emperor Machine’s mix retains a funky live feel, while Hot Chip’s finds a smooth 80s-soul mood. There are also selective variations in vocals, and both the synth-heavy disco-dub Major Swellings version and Polmo Polpo’s playfully sparse interpretation retain the surreal “Too light for light/Came from the earth” section - this being part of what makes them the better remixes.

A good (or great) singer could make this a successful pop song (or a classic piece of electro-soul). Unfortunately, Malkmus’s vocals, though they have their moments of eeriness and cleverly succinct lyrical innuendo, are not strong enough to carry the song to its full potential.

Reviewed: Stephen Malkmus - ‘Kindling For The Master’ (Domino Recordings)
Release date: 28 August 2006