Susumu Yokota's Prism and 246 rarities reimagined by Herbert and Gene On Earth

A selection of tunes from the late, great Japanese dance pioneer Susumu Yokota have been resurrected and reformed by the UK label, Cosmic Soup.

Yokota operated at the vanguard of Japan's blossoming rave scene in the early '90s, releasing countless works from disparate electronic realms and regularly invited to perform at international events and festivals. He was the first Asian artist to play at the Berlin Love Parade, and, alongside compatriot Ken Ishii, ensured Japan's forceful presence during dance music's formative years. Though he passed away tragically in 2015, the gravity of his work ensures that it continues to burn brightly. Not only are his vintage releases on labels including Harthouse, Sublime Records, and Reel Musiq still prized by in-the-know selectors and collectors, but an increasing number of his compositions are being revitalised by specialist re-issue imprints.

Here, Cosmic Soup follow up on their Susumu Yokota 'Classic & Unreleased' volumes one and two with a particularly pleasing remix package. Ushered in to rework tracks recorded under Yokota's Prism and 246 monikers are celebrated producers, Herbert and Gene On Earth. First up, the latter steps up with 'Ambient Squeeze' – a megamix of Yokota's 'Ambient Love' and 'Squeeze Up' – with shuffling drums powering intricate synth motifs and space age sweeps over a throbbing club bass. Matthew Herbert works his magic on his 'Make It Right Dub' of 'Flare's Grip', with wobbly synths gliding over low-slung bass and energetic drums for a saucer-eyed dancefloor meditation. Also included on the package are the previously unreleased belter 'Vol 3 02', and a corrected version of the rave-inspired 'Go Up'.

You can listen here:

Prism / 246 'Remix EP' is out now, you can buy it here

Patrizio Cavaliere is Mixmag Asia's Music Editor. Follow him on Instagram