Northlane5G (EP)

Expanding on the creative potential of pre-existing tracks isn’t an easy task, particularly when said tracks have been popular staples of the heavy scene for some time.

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Northlane just happen to be one of those bands whose releases’ elaborate soundscapes generate enough stylistic and thematic interest that, often, you have new things to zone in on with each listen. And zone in Northlane have, allowing the perspective of outside sources to help amplify certain aspects of some of their most guttural melodies, rambunctious rhythms, and liberated themes for their surprise EP, 5G.

Of course, tapping into the visions of others outside of the metal genre to accentuate the established model of your songs is an excellent way to bring them new life. Northlane, have brought on the likes of noise-rock outfit HEALTH, Aussie electronic duo Mashd N Kutcher, DJ and producer Mr. Bill, and electronica artist Phase One to share a new journey, to tap into a whole new vision, and with insanely good results.  

In 2019’s Bloodline, Northlane created a song that married dystopian paradigms with otherworldly breakdowns. Bloodline (HEALTH Remix) builds on that fantasy, carrying a real 80s techno pop vibe (think something suited to a ‘The Lost Boys’ reboot) that softens the edges of heavy metal without veering too far away from the ideas of the original–in part because the jarring vocals featured in the centre of the track have been largely untouched.

5G sets an unequivocal standard for remix releases, a standard that boasts an innate flexibility, creative trust, and a bravery in the band to readdress various aspects of the original songwriting experience to deliver such an outstanding result.  

Because of the rabid rush of reflections in 4D, thoughts of someone in need of some serious anger management come to mind. In the Mashd N Kutcher remix, the song is still angry, but boasts the kind of sex appeal you’d find in on of those German cyber-punk bars. Seductive, lethal. Such a rock-solid sound in the original Vultures would surely leave little room to shake the foundations, but Northlane proves otherwise with the Vultures (Mr Bill Remix), amping up the electronica so the experience seems like Alvin and the Chipmunks are vicious and on speed. It’s a sonic experiment that needs to be heard to be believed.

Evidently, Northlane’s most popular songs pack endless potential. 5G sets an unequivocal standard for remix releases, a standard that boasts an innate flexibility, creative trust, and a bravery in the band to readdress various aspects of the original songwriting experience to deliver such an outstanding result.  

STANDOUT TRACKS: Bloodline (HEALTH Remix), Vultures (Mr Bill Remix), Sleepless (Phase One Remix)
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