Odesza Remix Beat Connection’s “Saola”

Beat Connection have always been a band that has impressed me more in a live setting than in recorded form, an odd characteristic for a band that is often grouped alongside relatively tame live acts like Blackbird Blackbird, White Arrows and Lemonade. Whether performing at a tiny house party or the dance tent at a major festival, the trio never ceases to entertain with an endless supply of energy and enthusiasm. Unfortuantely, their recorded work, while bright at times, often lacks in the same departments. Enter Odesza, fellow Seattleites and sample patchwork impressarios. Last year, the duo (BeachesBeaches & CatacombKid) released the heavily slept on Summer’s Gone and, in the past few months (a few festival dates haven’t hurt), have garnered quite a bit of mass appeal. To kick off their upcoming West Coast tour with the aforementioned trio, Odesza have taken on remix duties for the Tune-Yards-channeling “Saola”, adding an oomph-worthy kick drum and scattering the vocals through a seductive filter/chop sequence. Like Summer’s Gone, the result isn’t exactly mind-blowing, but the duo have shown a penchant for turning out impossibly sunny jams in an over-saturated market, which is no small feat. Whether Odesza take their sound in a meatier direction will determine whether they eclipse their Northwest brethren or not.

5/2 San Francisco – NightLife 21+

5/3 Santa Monica – Central Social Aid 21+

5/4 Santa Ana – Constellation Room AA

5/5 San Diego – Soda Bar 21+

5/7 Sacramento – Blue Lamp 21+

5/8 Arcata – The Jambalaya 21+

5/9 Eugene – WOW Hall AA

5/10 Vancouver – Electric Owl 19+