Maxxi Soundsystem seems intent on getting a little better with each release - several releases in the past year or so have been good, but this one for Hypercolour is a belter.
'Regrets We Have No Use For' opens with a series of male falsetto notes, metallic bass lines and high-pitch melodies - all of which gives way in anticipation of Name One's vocal. That change is sign-posted by the deep, hollow-sounding bass that forms the bedrock of much of this track together with a clatter of drums.
Name One's vocal, concerned with the helplessness of regret, is ultimately functional rather than game-changing, although perfectly suited to the emotional sunset vibe of the track. Maxxi Soundsystem tweaks it into a percussive bridge with great effect. It's a track that succeeds in the details - bass lines that fade in and out, delicate vocal refrains, anguished synths.
Matthew Herbert's remix is actually less eccentric than expected. It removes the sharp lines and blunt corners of the original but the feeling of a depressive house record remains. The bass is softer, the vocal submerging itself and swimming around in it. Undeniably a quality remix, but the original is a great starting point.
Regrets We Have No Use For is released through Hypercolour next Monday on 12" and MP3. UPDATE: The release date for this is now confirmed as 22 October.