A Rhythmic Reimagining: Our favourite track from David Cloyd’s new ‘Cage Of Water’ remix EP
EP REVIEW: Cage Of Water Remixes by David Cloyd & James Tabbi
For people who like…progressive, atmospheric, electronic.
The original Cage Of Water was a standout track from David Cloyd’s epic 2025 album Red Sky Warning. This dreamy rhythmic masterpiece came with eloquent acoustics, pensive keys, a strong rhythm throughout, and a stellar vocal performance from Cloyd to say the least. With this song being so well layered it’s no surprise that it was selected for a remix EP, providing so many tangents to go in and offshoots to explore.
Cloyd collaborated with acclaimed producer and remixer, as well as lead singer of The Heroic Enthusiasts, James Tabbi to create an intriguing remix EP. In this 4 track EP Tabbi brings out new sonic shades, curious re-imaginings, and interesting experimentations on the original Cage Of Water, a track which caught his ear initially because of its use of the Tresillo rhythm.
“It has this hypnotic, locked-in quality. I knew right away that any remix I did would have to honour and elaborate on that rhythmic foundation.” – James Tabbi
An Atmospheric & Persistently Percussive Adaptation
Our favourite of the 3 remixes is the Drop Of Red Remix. It adds a beautifully dreamy atmosphere to Cage Of Water, coupled with the added percussive element of an ancient Dumbak drum, which Tabbi used to really solidify the rhythmic pulse of the original.
The keys are distorted slightly with what sounds like a soft cushiony filter, this adds to the heightened atmosphere Tabbi is trying to achieve with this version. Shakers are also added for percussive effect, and the acoustic guitar seems to be replaced with an electric one, or at least the electric guitar component of the original has been turned up to act as the lead guitar element.
Cloyd’s vocals haven’t been tampered with too much in this Drop Of Red Remix, which helps it maintain its melodic essence. Overall Tabbi has done an excellent job of adding a fresh slant on the original while also not taking anything away from it. It’s a somewhat subtle remix while managing to take the original in welcomed new directions.
Other Remixes
The other two remixes take a more alternative approach, really altering the vibes of the original. While they are certainly interesting adaptations bringing fresh takes, Drop Of Red Remix is our favourite for its ability to balance the essence of the original with new sounds that give it an even stronger impact.
The Synambient Remix is a much more slowed down version, with an extenuated bass and spacey synths which really give it a more ambient, bassier, underwater kind of sound.
The Lonely Island Remix goes in a very different direction which omits Cloyd’s vocals altogether. This seems to be the dance remix, with electronic 4/4 drum patterns and a fascinating vocal sample of Martin Luther King speaking of “a lonely island” and “not walking alone.” While it’s not our favourite, it’s definitely an interesting take in a new direction.
