Search - Information Society :: How Long

Oh, about 20 and a half minutes

J. Derek Reardon | KC, MO, USA | 05/25/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

""How Long" was the second single to be released off of InSoc's second album, Hack. I'm surprised to see it listed as opposed to the many other [superior] singles InSoc released. And it isn't exactly the classic piece of remixing work that the group's first single "What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy)" was. Just like Hack progressed musically and stylistically, so did the remix styles utilized. Don't expect to find "WoYM" slamming bass/beat/sample type mixes; InSoc instead chose here to explore the more ambient techno side of remixing. The release starts off with the LP version, which is taken directly off of Hack. This is somewhat a waste, since we only are given 4 tracks total - how about a radio edit? The Psycholash Mix is similar to the original LP Mix with the same vocals, same bpm, and similar chordal progressions. However the beat is funkier, and they substituted some original orchestral elements with more jungle ambient techno elements that don't fill the song out as well. The mix also ends very abruptly without warning. The Technolash Mix is a cross between the LP Mix and the Psycholash Mix. In fact, the only things distinguishing it from the original are the jungle techno orchestrations that are added in. If you liked the original, you will probably like this funked up version. The last mix is Calculatus Eliminatus 2. Here the jungle ambient techno elements are featured predominantly - so much so that the only thing that links you back to the song are the female backing vocals that sing "How Long" (the only vocals in this track). This mix develops more of a dance floor attitude than the fun, mischievous feel of the original. Still dance floor friendly, these mixes just aren't as addictive and powerful as the mixes for the singles off of InSoc's debut. I keep going back to that point, but it is pertinent since InSoc set such a high standard with those first remixes. Personally, I am not a huge techno fan, so these mixes didn't really hit home with me. A strong 3 star release, I only pull this off the shelf when I've forgotten what the remixes were like. As a recommendation, I'd say the "How Long" single is for avid InSoc fans and for fans of early 90s ambient/jungle techno. Personally, if I want to enjoy songs from Hack, I prefer to listen to the originals over the remix singles. If I want remixes of InSoc, I'll rely on the trusty slammin' singles off their debut; if you want to spend money on remix singles, make sure you have those first. Bonus recommendation: If you're an avid fan, also watch for the mixes to "Think," the first single from Hack. The tape version has a Ginger side and a Mary Ann side, carrying on the theme from the tape version of Hack. There are 6 mixes by Justin Strauss and Daniel Abraham: Virtual Reality Radio Edit, Bluebox 2600 Mix, Virtual Reality Mix, Phone Phreak Mix, Virtual Dub, and A Cappella. The first 3 mixes and the Virtual Dub are similar to InSoc's old style of remixing; they aren't quite as deep and slamming, but there's still that something extra that's fun to listen to and makes you wanna dance. The Phone Phreak Mix wanders more into techno and isn't very strong. The A Cappella is awesome, even if it is short. If you can find this 4 star rarity, it's worth purchasing."