Pale Sketcher is the latest chapter in the long career of Justin Broadrick, one that finds him completing his shift from metal’s cacaphonous periphery to the synthy cofines of contemplative electronica. Getting his start as the guitarist for Birmingham grinders Napalm Death before forming the industrially textured Godflesh, Broadrick founded the Jesu project as the confluence of his heavy influences and the shoegaze sound that inspired him. As Pale Sketcher he’s emphasizing the lush melodies that didn’t fit into Jesu, and the first single in this vein, “Can I Go Now” (Gone Version), comes equiped with remixes from Syntax and Donnacha Costello. Where the original evoked a stoned Ulrich Schnauss, Costello’s remix (which is this week’s download) conjures a pastoral beauty that stretches out in front of the listener almost endlessly. Warm and governed by organic drumkit percussion, his version puts Broadrick’s vocals up front to emphasize the human qualities once squashed under chilly drum patterns. Our heartfelt thanks to Broadrick, Costello and Ghostly for sharing this track with us all.

Download: Pale Sketcher, “Can I Go Now (Gone Version) (Donnacha Costello Remix)

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.