Faust Remixed by Colorist: A Sonic Odyssey Through Abstract Electronica
Released in 2016 under the Baumusik label, Faust Remixed by Colorist is a genre-blurring gem that sits somewhere between experimental electronica and ambient chillwave. Hailing from Germany—a country known for pushing musical boundaries—this album feels like a laboratory experiment gone gloriously right. It’s not just an album; it’s a kaleidoscope of soundscapes designed to make you think, feel, and maybe even dance if the mood strikes.
The record dives deep into abstract and club-ready vibes with remixes from artists like Gregor Schwellenbach, Tolouse Low Trax, and Jens-Uwe Beyer. Each track offers its own flavor, but two tracks stuck out to me in particular because they lingered long after my headphones came off.
First up, there’s “Faust [Gregor Schwellenbach Remix].” This version takes the original’s ethereal foundation and twists it into something both playful and haunting. The piano stabs are sharp enough to catch your attention, yet the underlying drone keeps things grounded in dreamland. You can almost picture Schwellenbach hunched over his gear, tweaking knobs until he found the perfect balance of chaos and calm. I kept coming back to this one because it felt like walking through a foggy forest at dawn—mysterious but oddly comforting.
Then there’s “Rheingrau,” which hits different altogether. If “Gregor’s remix” is about textures, this track is all about movement. With pulsating beats and shimmering synths, it’s the kind of song that could soundtrack a late-night drive or a lazy Sunday morning equally well. There’s no rush here—it unfolds slowly, letting each layer breathe before pulling you deeper into its hypnotic groove. It’s the kind of tune you don’t realize has been looping in your head until hours later when you’re humming it while making coffee.
What makes Faust Remixed so compelling is how it refuses to stay in one lane. One moment you’re floating in ambient bliss, the next you’re nodding along to club-friendly rhythms. It’s experimental without being pretentious, accessible without feeling watered down. That’s a tough line to walk, but Colorist nails it.
In a world where so much electronic music feels formulaic, Faust Remixed reminds us why we fell in love with the genre in the first place. It’s unpredictable, layered, and full of personality. And honestly? Listening to it feels like discovering a secret club where everyone speaks a language you didn’t know you understood.
So yeah, give this album a spin if you’re looking for something that challenges as much as it entertains. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself zoning out during meetings because you’ve got “Rheingrau” stuck on repeat.
