DJ Salty Flavor’s latest album, Keeping It Salty, features a fusion of lo-fi, ambient, electronic dance and trance music. There are a few rap tirades that often feel like the DJ is trying too hard (”Help Wanted” Remix)  and one that is so in your face that contagion is greater than the dislike.(”Hot or Cold” Remix).  Success is greater with the lo-fi sleepy rhythms scattered throughout the  album.

The world of remixes is a vast one. So making memorable ones is an even greater challenge for a DJ. It’s a balance of the track that the DJ selects along with the amount of originality put into it. If it’s a very popular track to begin with and the remix does not live up to it, then the remix might be seen as a buzz-kill. On the otherr hand if the remix puts a new spin on a universally loved track then the reinvented song may be embraced by listeners. It’s a fine line that DJs must walk when selecting their remix “patients” (or in some cases, victims).

The first track (or “patient”) on the album, is a remix called “Undignified”. This cheesy euro-techno-polka romp has a  hooky chorus, goofy playful synth sounds and a piano interlude that adds a layer to the much needed single dimensioned song. The song reminds me of  the one (the name eludes me) they used to play at bar mitzvah and sweet sixteens. Like someone smashing something in your face, it’s slightly jarring, and a bit too much on the ears.

The second track “Blip Your Body” sets the lo-fi tone for the rest of the album. It starts off with a dusty beat and several measures into the song starts adding beeps and blips a la 80s video games.  Blip reminded me of  Canadian punk-techno duo Crystal Castles latest release which featured similar bleeps and vintage video game fare. The song goes off into some hopeful corners but never quite takes off.

Two of my favorite tracks were “Mr Blister,” and “Why (Remix)”.  These stand out because of the detailed treatments the DJ gives them.  Blister starts off with a lone hypnotic drumbeat, morphing into a cacophonic stupor of trumpet synths. The natural flow of changes fall into place like Venga blocks.  “Why” begins with a booming fuzzy guitar and pounding beat. It has unassuming orchestral flourishes and a simple melody. The bass synths lined throughout the song add a strong backdrop. Why is definitely a good party song.

Apart from the lo-fi and techno, Salty Flavor peppers up things with some rap remixes. “Hot or Cold (Remix) ” fuses hip hop and techno together making for a soupy club remix. The repetition of the line “Are ya hot. Are ya cold” was a bit irritating after awhile. Once the raps kick in DJ Salty Flavor peppers the song with clavicle-sounding percussive missives. Then by the time, the second rapper chimes in, his claps steer the song through some dance-run threads. What makes the chorus tolerable towards the end of the song is the DJ’s cool and sneaky changes. He mixes it up and makes it interesting.

“Supernova (remix)” was another one of those memorable songs. The hypnosis of the piano intro, elusive beats hidden behind silence and dodging the piano lines. The layers of synths inject more shade into the remix. Atmospheric, dramatic and spiritual, this remix had hints of optimism towards the end as the piano lifted the rest of the song to a humble conclusion. It reminded me of some of Moby’s piano electronic works, especially from his Play album.

I can recommend this album to those of you into lo-fi and funky electronic music, but would not recommend it as much for its hip-hop rap dimensions. Lovers of LCD Soundsystem might be turned off by the lack of punk-ness but those into Moby may enjoy DJ Salty’s flair for detail and ambient changes.

Reviewed By Mike Morgan

Michael Morgan, Reviews DJ Salty, Keeping It Salty