AtanariaReleased on October 18, 2024, via Better Noise Music, Asking Alexandria’s latest EP, Where Do We Go From Here? The Remixes, leaves listeners with an unsettling question: Why does this EP exist? The original album, Where Do We Go From Here? (2023), was already something of a reflection on the band’s 15-year journey, blending their signature elements into a cohesive sound that highlighted their evolution. So, what could this remix EP add to the conversation?
One possible explanation is the departure of founding guitarist and primary songwriter Ben Bruce, who stepped back to focus on family. With Bruce no longer driving the band’s creative direction, this EP may act as a filler while Asking Alexandria recalibrates and finds its footing in the wake of his absence. But does this collection of remixes point to a bold new direction, one where stylistic boundaries are blurred beyond recognition? The answer, sadly, is no.
Instead of feeling like a fresh reinvention, The Remixes struggles to justify its existence. The most striking example of this is the EDM rework of “Bad Blood” by Indonesian DJs Weird Genius. Their remix opts for a stuttering electronic vibe that, rather than enhancing the song, feels out of place. Asking Alexandria has spent years refining their sound, moving away from the chaotic experimentation that once defined them. To layer over this newfound maturity with elements that feel overwrought and excessive seems counterproductive.
The inclusion of the original title track alongside its remix by Fairlane serves only to highlight the redundancy of the project. Listening to the original version back-to-back with its remix feels like an exercise in “gilding the lily”—adding unnecessary embellishments to something that was already whole and well-crafted.
However, there are brief moments of intrigue. LA producer kodeblooded’s remix of “Let Go” is the EP’s saving grace, offering a much-needed injection of energy. In a project that leans too heavily into navel-gazing and overwrought production, this track stands out for its balance and playful spirit, managing to revitalize the original without overstepping its boundaries.
In summary, Where Do We Go From Here? The Remixes feels more like a stop-gap than a statement. It lacks the innovation or boldness that might have justified its existence and instead serves as a reminder of how delicate the balance of reinvention can be. For a band that has always flirted with genre experimentation, this release falls short of truly pushing boundaries. While kodeblooded’s contribution offers a glimmer of what could have been, the rest of the EP feels like a missed opportunity.
