LISTEN/DOWNLOAD: Deastro's "Toxic Crusaders" Remixes
The third single from Deastro’s Moondagger [the entirety of which streams here] harnesses Randolph Chabot’s positive outlook, hiding a humble plea for a better world inside a bright synth-rock anthem with macabre undertones. “Toxic Crusaders” envisions a world in which cyclops babies are born from broken families, the symbol of their sins etched in genetic mutation; Chabot plays the hopeful soothsayer, positioning himself as “a prophet of how things should be.” But while “Toxic Crusaders” features some of Deastro’s headier lyrical feats, musically it’s all muscle, featuring stutter-step guitars, blazing synthesizers, and hard-hitting drums, with an unforgettable whistle-while-you-work hook in the chorus.
STREAM: Deastro "Toxic Crusaders"
The single’s B-side is a remix by Bristol, UK’s Dave Edwards, aka Minotaur Shock. The gifted, 4AD-affiliated producer strips Deastro’s layered arrangement down to its skivvies and shines a spotlight on Chabot, whose voice gains grain and character against Edwards’ cut-up rhythms.
STREAM: Deastro "Toxic Crusaders (Minotaur Shock Remix)"
Van Benton’s remix of “Toxic Crusaders” is a blast of pop energy, as the Vancouver-based producer/sound designer coats the original with an electro-disco sheen. Randolph Chabot’s ringing chorus reaches new heights on the back of Van Benton’s buzzing synth bassline and mix-swallowing kick drums.
DOWNLOAD: Deastro "Toxic Crusaders (Van Benton Remix)"
