SLAM — Soma 35.4 - Slam Activate Remixes

Slam – Soma 35.4 – Slam Activate Remixes opens the Soma Quality Recordings 12-inch vinyl with a quartet of reinterpretations that celebrate the label’s 35th anniversary series. Catalogued as SOMA703, this release revisits the duo’s widely recognised track “Activate”, first issued a decade ago, and places it in the hands of four distinguished contributors. The record situates itself firmly within the techno terrain that Soma has cultivated since its inception, offering a fresh perspective on a modern classic while preserving the functional, club-ready foundation of the original. Within the Soma catalogue, SOMA703 follows a string of anniversary statements. Earlier this year the label issued SOMA702, a set of Percy X remixes, and SOMA701, the Surgeon-led Soma 35.2, both reinforcing the series’ aim of pairing legacy figures with contemporary voices. Slam’s own earlier contributions to the project—SOMA700 (Soma 35.1) and the “Dark Channel” 2×12″ (SOMALP128)—established a precedent for revisiting key moments from the label’s back-catalogue. The current release continues that dialogue, extending the anniversary narrative through four distinct remix approaches. Side A opens with the Luke Slater Remix. According to the label, Slater applies his trademark precision and a raw, club-focused sensibility to the track’s driving core. The result is a version that foregrounds the original’s kinetic momentum while sharpening its edge for peak-time deployment. The remix’s structure builds tension through a disciplined arrangement, making it a reliable choice for DJs seeking a direct, high-energy entry point. A-side continues with the Oscar Mulero Remix. Mulero’s contribution is described as a tougher, more industrial interpretation that pushes the track deeper into his characteristic high-pressure sound. The remix amplifies the underlying groove with a darker, more relentless texture, offering a compelling contrast to Slater’s precision. Its weighty atmosphere and relentless drive make it suitable for late-night sets where a more aggressive tone is required. Flipping to side B, Phil Berg’s remix introduces a hypnotic, groove-led edge. The label highlights Berg’s focus on a hypnotic quality, suggesting a version that leans into subtle rhythmic shifts and a sustained, rolling feel. This approach creates a spacious, dancefloor-friendly vibe that can serve as a bridge between more intense moments and a smoother, sustained flow. The final cut, Nastia Reigel’s remix, is presented as a contemporary, atmospheric take that reshapes “Activate” through a different sonic lens. Reigel’s version expands the track’s palette, emphasizing ambience and a modern tonal perspective that diverges from the original’s straightforward drive. Its airy texture and nuanced progression make it an ideal tool for building tension or providing a reflective interlude within a set. In the context of Slam’s own discography, SOMA703 arrives after a series of releases that have cemented the duo’s presence on Soma. Their earlier Soma 35.1 (SOMA700) and the “Dark Channel” 2×12″ (SOMALP128) both explored the label’s archival material, while the “Soma Track Series” volumes (SOMATS001, SOMATS002) and “Exhibit” (SOMA665) demonstrated a willingness to experiment within the techno framework. This remix EP extends that trajectory, allowing Slam to reinterpret a signature track through the prisms of peers who share the label’s aesthetic. From a DJ’s perspective, the record offers a versatile toolkit. Slater’s precision remix fits seamlessly into peak-time slots, Mulero’s industrial version provides a darker, more forceful option for deeper moments, Berg’s groove-centric cut works well for transitional phases, and Reigel’s atmospheric take supplies a nuanced, melodic layer for set climaxes or early-morning wind-downs. The sequencing—two contrasting A-side cuts followed by two B-side explorations—encourages creative mixing, enabling the selector to move fluidly across intensity levels. The physical package arrives as a standard 12-inch vinyl with a printed sleeve, reflecting Soma’s commitment to tactile presentation without resorting to additional embellishments. Mastering duties are split between Conor Dalton at Glowcast Mastering (tracks 1, 3 & 4) and Carlos Koschitzky (track 2), ensuring a cohesive sonic quality across the diverse reinterpretations. Slam – Soma 35.4 – Slam Activate Remixes, Soma Quality Recordings, catalog SOMA703, 12-inch vinyl, four tracks. Tracklist: A1. Slam – Luke Slater Remix A2. Slam – Oscar mulero Remix B1. Slam – Phil Berg Remix B2. Slam – Nastia Reigel Remix)