STR4TA - The Invicta Remixes (2021) [Hi-Res]

The pink cloud mood of “Dance Desire” by Steve Conry (of Ten Lovers Music) and Japan’s finest Cuban-inspired percussionist Takashi Nakazato kicks things off: this rhythmically unfussy take uses a cowbell-modified arrangement, orchestrated by Colin Curtis. It could open and close out that romantic engagement, built for two.

Funk, cosmic disco, spaced-out dub, and stepped-up broken beat get added to the original STR4TA formula over the course of the release, making these nouveau arrangements a bit more diverse, spectral in scope with varying depths, allowing varying eras of dance music to politely wrap themselves around the stellar originals. Presenting a canvas that is just as colorful as the original but instead employing different techniques for unique aesthetics.

Off the top, it’s just a treat to hear so many snippets of the masterful bass playing from Bluey all over these 12 tracks. It’s an intended direct complement to the player from all the producers. David Lee’s alternative dub of “After The Rain” integrates those deep riffs in his cosmic synth arrangement, it’s a move that repeats itself over many selections.

Yet Dave Aju’s stepped-up reworking of “Dance Desire” pulls the ultimate zag on The Invicta Remixes. While most of the collaborators choose to strut the arrangements around in bellbottoms, Aju’s crisp hits, jutting verve, punching bass, attacking piano lines, and lingering melodies ride this tune into the 4am future-funk. Knocking the disco dust off that thang, pointing in the direction of Dego and Kaidi Tatham’s humid syncopated style of production. It’s a proper flex.