Thom Yorke - Not The News Rmx EP

Just over a month ago, Thom Yorke surprised fans by releasing ANIMA, the follow up to 2014’s gloriously gloomy Tomorrow's Modern Boxes. Yesterday, he announced the release of a remix EP for “Not The News”, one of the strongest tracks this new album has to offer.

The first track just gives the listener more of what they want, adding over two full minutes to the LP version. The “Extendo mix” uses those extra minutes to play in the space, spreading elements out so each can be examined and explored to a fuller extent. I’m reminded of the “Harrowdown Hill” extended mix from the Spitting Feathers EP.

Mark Pritchard’s contribution has a persistent jungle drum feel to it, adding a sense of immediacy. With none of the electronics from the original and some orchestral horn stings, the drama here is palpable. While less dynamic than the album cut, it’s a fine interpretation.

The "Equiknoxx remix" (featuring Time Cow and Gavsborg) is more contemplative and drone-like, tossing out all but the barest resemblances to the original, specifically some of the higher, more glitched/affected vocals. I always find it funny how the more people are credited as working on a remix, the less interesting that remix tends to be… This track is hypnotic, subterranean, and perhaps the weakest on the EP.

The "Clark remix" is the most unhinged and most intriguing thing on offer here. It’s as if you’re listening to a completely different song that someone’s spilt Yorke's lyrics onto until about halfway through when the original starts to bleed through for a moment. There’s a silence, and then things clunk, stumble and tinkle on until the end. There's a lot of stuff going on here.

For those looking for a deeper exploration of “Not The News", give the "Extendo mix" a spin and then, if you want…something else, keep on plugging. You won’t be bored.