If the whole idea of a remix album is to take the originals and re-mould, re-imagine and re-interpret them into something altogether different and unique, then MISSING DEADLINES – SELECTED REMIXES, the latest project from Ulrich Schnauss is the very definition of the genre.

Tackling the likes of Howling Bells, A Sunny Day In Glasgow, Mojave 3 and Asobi Seksu, Schnauss stamps his very own musical stamp on proceedings here, unleashing waves of sonic majesty and shoegazery wistfulness on these songs; even going that extra mile in certain cases and improving on the originals. 

Ulrich Schnauss is a German born multi instrumentalist, songwriter and producer whose previous solo albums FAR AWAY TRAINS PASSING BY, A STRANGELY ISOLATED PLACE and GOODBYE have been glorious excursions into minimalistic electronica, synth washed dream pop and shoe gazing shout outs to the likes of My Bloody Valentine, Ride and Slowdive. Starting out in the mid nineties, the Berlin based Schnauss released a handful of ambient releases under guises such as View To The Future and Ethereal 77 before developing his sound and vision towards the more ambitious solo releases whilst also finding time to fill in on keyboard duties for the bands Longview and Engineers, not to mention production duties for artists such as Kirsty Hawkshaw and Exit Calm.

All of which brings us to MISSING DEADLINES – SELECTED REMIXES, a record that as the title implies, collates together various re-interpretations of his better remix work throughout the years. The remix tag seems somehow disingenuous and misleading at times here though, Schnauss at times re-sculpturing these songs into something far more unique and sonically intriguing, fans of Schnauss will definitely hear this musicians sonic fingerprints smeared loud and clear throughout proceedings.

Opener SETTING SUN from Australian outfit Howling Bells gets things off to a suitably ethereal and other worldly start, Schnauss layering glorious synth washes and sonic velvet over the original, taking things in ever more dream pop like directions. He employs similar tactics to Asobi Seksu's STRAWBERRIES and A Sunny Day In Glasgow's GHOST IN THE GRAVEYARD, transforming the originals into works of ambient delicateness that wash over you like a warm breeze.

It's on the lesser known songs here though that Ulrich Schnauss perhaps offers up the records finest moments, HALO from Aus in particular emerging as something truly special and enlightening, a mesmerising excursion into minimalist ambience that plays out like the soundtrack to the most glorious slow motion sunset you've ever seen in your life, breath-taking and awe-inspiring stuff.

Another highlight is FAITHFUL FRIEND by Katharina Franck, taking the nursery rhyme like original and spinning into into darker, Blade Runner like directions of menacing electronica. In fact Schnauss never seems to put a foot wrong through MISSING DEADLINES – SELECTED REMIXES, each and every song on offer delivering something gently mesmerising and beautiful; the likes of Lunz, Mahogany and Madrid having their works expanded and exploded into something imbued with wonder.

Considering the huge Slowdive and Ride influences on his solo material, its heartening to hear those bands originators Rachel Goswell and Mark Gardener represented with COASTLINE and STORY OF THE EYE, these mixes clearly a labour of love for Schnauss and given reverential treatment here. Closing number BLUEBIRD OF HAPPINESS by Mojave 3 continues the Slowdive connection and ends things in suitably intoxicating splendor, another marriage of minimalist ambience, shoe gazing delicacy and wide-eyed wonder.

As a remix album, MISSING DEADLINES – SELECTED REMIXES does exactly what you'd hope for from such a project, taking the originals and re-interpreting them into the remixers own unique sonic vision. Ulrich Schnauss presents a record here that enchants from beginning to end, at times blissful and awe-inspiring, at times dark and menacing, always intriguing and always mesmerising. For fans of all things ethereal, other-worldly and wonderful, MISSING DEADLINES – SELECTED REMIXES is a must.

Mixtapes & Cellmates are a 5 piece that hail from Stockholm, Sweden, who formed in 2006 after being inspired by bands such as The Postal Service, Hood, and The Sea & Cake. Mixtapes & Cellmates quickly landed a record deal, which led to the release of several EP’s and a self titled debut album in 2007. SOON, the forthcoming single from album number two, sees a slight change in direction, with the addition of a live drummer, a more expansive guitar sound, and a movement away from electronic influences.[inset side=right]  "...SOON is bubblegum punk pop heaven, it is the sound of the Killers on Prozac..."[/inset]

The change of approach was definitely worth it, brand new single SOON is a perfect slice of sugar coated pop/punk goodness, guaranteed to lift spirits and brighten the day, rather like a chocolate muffin in the morning, or somebody smiling at you from across the street. Frontman Robert Svensson has a rich, colourful voice, that is similar to Wayne Coyne from the Flaming Lips, but with a little more gusto and verve, and he belts out the vocals with such intensity and vigour it’s hard not to be swept along by it all.

The track buzzes along at a fast pace, generating a four minute head rush; shiny guitar riffs complement lively drumming and a thunderous bass, the chorus is as catchy and infectious as HN51, and all the while you can’t help wanting to sing along or bounce around the room. This is for people who are fans of uplifting guitar pop, SOON is bubblegum punk pop heaven, it is the sound of the Killers on Prozac, or The Ramones on an exchange visit to Sweden. This is a great single and deserves a lot of airplay on the radio, if only to cheer everybody up in these rather gloomy Winter months. So try it, you might like it; just be warned, you might want to brush your teeth afterwards to get rid of the sugar content.