If ‘Red Eye’ could have revealed anything about Jockstrap’s forthcoming remix album of their debut ‘I Love You Jennifer B’ (Rough Trade), it would be to prepare us for a journey into a sonic landscape of eccentricity. However, in an unexpected twist, the second single from ‘I<3UQTINVU’ (Rough Trade), a remix of ‘Jennifer B’ titled ‘Good Girl,’ witnesses Skye and Ellery delving into their dance-inspired sensibilities. They harness sounds and tempos typical of house, techno, and industrial music to fashion a rather somber and melancholic dance track, reminiscent of an early EP from the duo titled ‘Lost My Key in the <3 Club <3’ (Kaya Kaya Records).

Skye skilfully chops and manipulates Ellery’s vocals from the ‘Jennifer B’ chorus, which repeats, “Everything is good, girl, Take it, Leave it.” These lyrics are scattered throughout the misty synth line, a melancholic piano, and the hazy 808 basslines that dominate the opening section of the track. As the track progresses, it evolves into a full-fledged industrial house composition, particularly at the halfway point. The vocals undergo such frequent chopping and manipulation that they transform into mere noise, melding with the pounding, warping drumbeat that intermittently takes over for the remainder of the track.

In the remix, the second verse of the original song is seamlessly integrated into the climactic portion. Ellery, portraying the perspective of the eponymous Jennifer B, displays her devotion to a significant other by sharing various aspects of her life. These range from the mundane and innocent, such as her desire to own a specific apartment, to more intimate and seductive notions, like her willingness to become a stripper for this person. This emotional journey then shifts to a scene of them playing Nintendo Switch together, which amazes her. It’s a sweet sentiment that’s celebrated, even though it serves as a rather abstract and peculiar declaration of admiration. It leaves one uncertain whether this is truly love for Jennifer B.

Whereas ‘Red Star’ had melded various elements from ‘Neon’ to the extent that it felt like an entirely fresh composition rather than a traditional remix, ‘Good Girl’ retains enough of the original material to rightfully carry the remix label. However, it is now apparent that we cannot definitively predict what this project will offer. It’s a venture where expectations will consistently be defied and subverted.

‘I<3UQTINVU’ will be released on Rough Trade Records on 3rd November.