Ex-Hyena - In Slow Motion

After their wonderful collaboration with Control I’m Here earlier this year, Ex-Hyena hit some big news when they signed with Re:Mission Entertainment and released their new single ‘In Slow Motion’. This dystopian dance-duo keep doing what their doing in grand fashion; never changing, but evolving, slapping on some new beats with a tried-and-true formula. 

One of the things that I’ve loved about Ex-Hyena since I first discovered them is their phenomenal vocal presence. Alone, without one or the other, Ex-Hyena is mediocre when it comes to their vocals. And I think they understand that. Which is why in most of their songs they choose a dual vocal approach; deep and dark, higher pitched and bright. Ying and yang and all that bullshit. And they continue with that concoction to plausible effect. Something that I’ve come to expect from them. 

‘In Slow Motion’ also sees Ex-Hyena move away from their comfort zone of quieter dance rhythms or, as I’ve once described it, their “smokey bar in space” vibes. Instead, we get a nice and smashing piece with good dance bass and darkwave antics written all over it. Maybe a bit on the repetitive side for lasting five-minutes long, but a treat nonetheless.

What comes along with this is a remix from Child Of Night. It’s a rather dull take on the song that I didn’t quite enjoy. It sounds like they added some reverb on Barringer’s vocals, got rid of Bettsak’s takes, and brought out a minimal demo-quality beat. It’s not great, not even good, and I would describe it as below average at best. A shame, really, as I was expecting something more from Child of Night as I’ve enjoyed their music a bunch in the past. 

Alone, I would give the original mix of ‘In Slow Motion’ a big fat 8 out of ten. But that remix really drags down the experience a ton and I’ve to take points off since it shares space on the release.