Illogical Directions: The Remixes Part 1 – A Deep Dive into Shinedoe’s Sonic Playground
If you're someone who digs the hypnotic pull of minimal beats, the sultry undertones of deep house, or even the raw edge of techno, Illogical Directions: The Remixes Part 1 by Shinedoe is like stumbling upon a hidden basement party where everyone just gets it. Released in 2014 on Intacto Records (a Dutch label with serious taste), this remix-heavy album feels like an intricate puzzle pieced together by some of electronic music's finest minds. And let’s not forget—Chinedum Nwosu, aka Shinedoe herself, wrote and produced the whole thing. Respect.
Now, let’s talk tracks because that’s where the magic happens. There are ten tunes here, but two stood out so hard they’re still stuck in my head like gum under a club chair.
First up: “Panomanic (Ellen Allien Remix).” Oh man, Ellen did NOT come to play around. This track grabs you from the first beat and doesn’t let go—it’s twitchy, glitchy, and kinda makes you feel like your brain’s been rewired for dancing. It starts off all brooding and mysterious, then BAM! Those wonky synths kick in, and suddenly you’re transported to a neon-lit warehouse rave circa 1998. What I love most about this remix is how unpredictable it feels; every time you think you’ve got its rhythm figured out, it flips the script. By the end, you’re sweaty, disoriented, and totally hooked. Classic Ellen vibes right there.
Then there’s “Essence (Tom Trago Remix).” Tom Trago took what could’ve been a straightforward tech-house banger and turned it into something smooth as butter melting on hot toast. The bassline grooves so effortlessly that you almost don’t notice how cleverly layered everything is. But listen closer—the little details pop out at you, like those subtle hi-hats and the way the melody sneaks up behind you like a ninja whispering sweet nothings in your ear. You can tell Tom knows his stuff—he’s crafted a track that works equally well blasting through speakers at peak hour or soundtracking a late-night drive when you're lost in thought.
The rest of the album follows suit, blending styles like Minimal, Techno, Tech House, and Deep House into a cohesive journey. Whether it’s Douglas Greed’s moody take on “Discourse My New Romance” or Jerome Sydenham’s stripped-back rework of “Wo Wei,” each track brings its own flavor while staying true to Shinedoe’s vision. Even Pig & Dan’s remix of “Fe-Male” deserves props for being both brutal and beautiful—a reminder that sometimes chaos sounds amazing.
What strikes me most about Illogical Directions: The Remixes Part 1 isn’t just its technical brilliance—it’s how damn human it feels. Sure, it’s packed with precision-engineered beats and pristine production, but beneath all that polish lies emotion. These aren’t just songs meant to fill space; they’re stories told through soundwaves, inviting listeners to lose themselves in their depths.
And honestly? Listening to this album feels like finding an old mixtape in the back of a drawer. It’s nostalgic yet fresh, familiar yet surprising. Like, who knew a Dutch artist could create something so universal? Maybe that’s why it sticks with you long after the last note fades.
So yeah, if you haven’t spun this one yet, do yourself a favor and press play. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself zoning out during work meetings, mentally DJ-ing these tracks instead of paying attention. Trust me, though—you’ll thank me later.
