Dance pioneers ill Blu have been big players on the UK underground scene for a while now. With big releases on iconic labels Numbers, Hyperdub and MadTech in the last few years, the duo have just signed a deal with Island Records, announcing their return to the limelight with an excellent remix of The Weeknd’s ‘Often.’
What was originally a measured piece of alternative R&B has been transformed into house banger, high hat and all. For those that have always wondered what The Weeknd would sound like sped up, here is your answer. ill Blu have injected pumping bass so that Abel’s voice no longer meanders, instead flooding in and out on point, the whole thing surging towards an end.
The Weeknd himself seems to like the changes here, endorsing this remix as an official worldwide exclusive, a result of the partnership between Island Records and Climax Music.
ill Blu’s shifting, sweeping adaptation is club ready, and is a sign of things to come.
Words by Sebastian Henry-Jones
SEE ALSO:
WATCH: iLL BLU 'BLU MAGIC' (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
iLL BLU 'BLU MAGIC' FT. MAX MARSHALL (DJ S.K.T REMIX)
LISTEN: THE WEEKND 'BELONG TO THE WORLD'
