helios: remixed

Unseen Music presents an album of exclusive, previously-unreleased remixes of tracks by ambient/electronic artist Keith Kenniff aka Helios (also records as Goldmund and with Mint Julep). In curating a remix album, Kenniff reached out to a handful of his fellow musicians who have been influential to him over the years. Instead of a remix album based on a particular release, the idea was for artists to choose any song from the Helios discography and interpret this in their own style. The result is a refreshingly cohesive album showcasing beautiful renditions by acclaimed composers such as Ulrich Schnauss (joined by Mark Peters of Engineers), Ben Boysen (aka Hecq), Hammock, Rhian Sheehan, Rafael Anton Irisarri, Arms And Sleepers, and his brother Colin Kenniff (who has toured alongside Keith as part of the Helios live band). Each musician's strength shines through the remixes, from Ben Boysen's hauntingly beautiful remix of "Every Hair On Your Head," to Hammock's signature brand of epic, reverb-laden guitars shimmering through their interpretation of "The Obesiant Vine." Ulrich Schnauss and Mark Peters' uplifting bouncy electronic remix of "Falling in Swirls" (a song Keith released on his website for free in 2002), and Arms And Sleepers' beautifully layered synths and percussion in "Hope Valley Hill" serve to add a wonderful dynamic lift to the album, while Rafael Anton Irissari's own brand of engaging soundscapes on "Hollie" envelop the listener in a sonic warm blanket. Rounding out the album are two beautiful and emotional remixes by award-winning New Zealand-based composer Rhian Sheehan, on the song "Halving the Compass," and Keith's brother Colin, creating a lush acoustic rendition of the song "First Dream Called Ocean."

Helios "Remixed" sampler