Major Lazer is the brainchild of American producer Diplo, who’s joined by fellow music makers Jillionare and Walshy Fire. When it comes to EDM-reggae, the collective are miles ahead of everyone else. So much so that producers from around the globe have taken time to put their own spin on several of the group’s chart topping jams.
Be Together (feat Wild Belle) is the opening track from this year’s Peace Is The Mission LP, and this EPfeatures the original track, as well as six remixes by local heroes Carmada, Will Sparks, Nicky Night Time, Senor Roar, Mashd N Kutcher and Cut Snake.
Taking the first swing at the popular hit, Carmada’s starry, minimal opening is swiftly followed by a dub-step chorus and an epic R&B bass drop. Bigwig of the Melbourne bounce scene, Will Sparks is up next. The local DJ lives up to his reputation, creating an uptempo mix with a horn-infused chorus.
Nicky Night Time’s extended, chilled-out house version removes the majority of Wild Belle’s vocals and leaves everything up to the looped, repetitive instrumental. While it’s a fine interpretation, it lacks the ear-grabbing essence of the original track. Trap guru Senor Roar then takes the single to an entirely new level with a dirty kick drum and a lathering of electronic hi-hats.
Closing the EP, Mashd N Kutcher and Cut Snake’s remixes are a blend of funky melodies and high-pitched, sped-up vocals. Both of them make for a perfect summer drinking song, however, nothing matches up to the Major Lazer original.
BY PHOEBE ROBERTSON
