Pelican Dance (OX7GEN Remix) / The Surge feat. Ramya Pothuri (Sandunes Remix)
Sandunes

Mumbai-born, LA-based composer and pianist Sandunes’ new double single features a remix of “Pelican Dance” by OX7GEN and a self-reworked version of “The Surge” featuring Ramya Pothuri. Both follow her acclaimed album and subsequent Zed Bias remixes, one of which featured exclusively on Tru Thoughts’ annual compilation series ‘Shapes 25’.

Goa-based producer OX7GEN, also known as Aditya Ashok, has reimagined “Pelican Dance”. Having performed as a drummer in the live ensemble for Sandunes’ ‘The Ground Beneath Her Feet’ tour, Ashok brings a wealth of experience in progressive techno, acid house, and drum and bass to his remix. The original “Pelican Dance” is a captivating blend of Celestial harpsichord, playful marimba, and skittering synths. This juxtaposition of classical and contemporary electronica creates a unique sonic landscape reminiscent of a bird’s graceful flight.

“Being on drum duties for the Sandunes live shows in India has given me a chance to connect quite deeply with a lot of her music…. The instrumental layers on “Pelican Dance” fascinated me from the first time I heard it. I changed up the groove from the intricate broken beat of the original to a steadier but faster 4-on-the-floor jam… I left the chord movement unchanged but broke apart the main marimba lead, which now interplays with a mutated version of itself. The other majestic instrument layers, like the harpsichord feature, at various points as new percussion layers build and break the momentum of the song.” OX7GEN

OX7GEN’s latest EP, ‘Evenire’, was released on the esteemed British label HE.SHE.THEY and showcases his ability to blend left-field house, techno, and bass music. With a strong background in drum and bass, having released on UK heavyweights Hospital and RAM Records, Ashok continues to explore new sonic territories. Beyond dance music, he has remixed U2 and was the drummer for metal giants Skyharbor for four years.

Sandunes and Ramya Pothuri’s original “The Surge” captures the bittersweet experience of migration through a fusion of turbulent synths and syncopated tranquillity. Speaking about her remix, Sandunes explains, “This has been one of my favourite tunes from the record, and it was really fun digging back in to put a different spin on it”. By re-sampling Ramya’s captivating vocals, she transforms the soundscape into an experimental club anthem, drawing inspiration from UK garage.