By Kavit Sumud | January 27th, 2013
A truism that’s almost become a maxim in the life of an artist: sophomore slumps happen. For Two Door Cinema Club, their drop felt like more of a shrug. Beacons wasn’t a bad album, it just lacked the punch and drive of singles like “I Can Talk“ and “What You Know.” Enter Ryan Riot to rectify that for us.
His changes are subtle, but they infuse so much life into “Handshake” that if a DJ spun this in their set, you’d be hardpressed to resist Ryan Riot’s rhythms. It’s the kind of track in a discotheque that makes wall flowers be damned and even the most reticent dancers would find themselves driven to the floor.
He does this by bringing back the nervous energy that made Two Door Cinema Club’s first album so enthralling. His synths are flawless and bring attention to lyrics that make your mind pace and body flail. TDCC should seriously consider re-releasing this as an official remix.
You might know Swiss producer Ryan Riot from his shortlived noise rock duo, Boarderline Personality; but if you do, Riot tells me that you might want to wipe your mind clean of that fail and re-remember him as an up-and-coming producer to look out for. Check out more at his SoundCloud, including his monthly mixes of some of the best indie dance out there. Grab a free download while you are there.