Remix albums... That genre’s awkward cousin, where artists open their works to the whims of others, often with mixed results. But let’s not jump to conclusions — especially not when Elif Yalvaç is at the helm. In "Maelifell", Yalvaç offers up the guts of her 2023 album "My Heart of Noise" for reimagining, enlisting a globe-spanning crew of collaborators. The result? A sonic tapestry that might best be described as a guided tour through a digital Icelandic landscape, as seen through the cracked screen of a vintage Game Boy.

If "My Heart of Noise" was Yalvaç’s love letter to Icelandic nature — complete with the raw, glacial beauty that one expects from the genre — "Maelifell" is its slightly neurotic younger sibling. Named after a volcano that’s as much a mouthful to say as it is striking to see, this remix album doesn’t just reinterpret the original; it dissects it, breaks it down into fractured pieces, and rearranges it into something that’s both familiar and entirely alien.

The opener, "Gate Check" by ILKAMA, immediately sets the tone. A jarring mix of glitched-out beats and swirling ambient textures, it feels like the sonic equivalent of trying to navigate through a digital storm. It’s a bold introduction, and it works — if you’re the sort of listener who enjoys getting lost in the labyrinthine recesses of sound. ILKAMA's collage-based approach adds a layer of complexity, which is both engaging and, at times, disorienting.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The standout track, if we’re going to play favorites, is probably "Heart of Noise (Remix)" by Bistro Boy. Here, Yalvaç’s icy synths and field recordings are melted down and reshaped into something warm and enveloping — a downtempo dreamscape that feels more like a lullaby than the original’s hypnagogic tones. Bistro Boy, true to form, injects a bit of Icelandic magic, transforming the track into something that feels at once familiar and otherworldly, as though you’re listening to the heartbeat of the island itself.

That said, not every track hits the mark with the same precision. "Taiga II (Remix)" by Nacite, for example, veers dangerously close to ambient wallpaper territory, with its subdued beats and indistinct melodies. It’s the kind of track that might work as background music in a meditation app but feels somewhat out of place on an album that otherwise strives for more daring sonic explorations.

"Rainhorse (Remix)" by Hurtnopain, on the other hand, embraces the chaotic energy of the original and cranks it up several notches, resulting in a track that’s as abrasive as it is invigorating. It’s here that the Autechre comparisons are most apt, with jagged beats and glitchy textures that wouldn’t feel out of place on one of their more experimental outings. It’s a bold, if slightly overwhelming, interpretation that demands your full attention.

Throughout "Maelifell", Yalvaç’s presence is unmistakable, even as each remix artist leaves their unique imprint. The album is a testament to her skill in creating a cohesive sonic narrative while allowing for the voices of her collaborators to shine through. The electronic manipulations — whether subtle or overt — maintain a sense of continuity, ensuring that the album doesn’t devolve into a disjointed collection of tracks. The field recordings, synths, and glitchy textures all find their place, contributing to a unified, albeit fragmented, whole.

There’s an ironic aspect that is maybe worthy to highlight, too. The original "My Heart of Noise" was celebrated for its sense of place, its ability to transport the listener to the vast, empty expanses of Iceland. In contrast, "Maelifell" feels like a journey through a digital Iceland, where the landscape is pixelated, and the air hums with electronic interference. It’s a more abstract, cerebral experience — one that’s less about the physical world and more about the digital echoes of it.

So, is "Maelifell" worth your time? If you’re a fan of Elif Yalvaç’s work — or if you’re the kind of listener who relishes the challenge of navigating through complex, experimental soundscapes — the answer is a resounding yes. This is an album that demands patience and rewards repeat listens, each track revealing new layers and nuances with every spin. But if you’re looking for something more accessible, you might be better off sticking with "My Heart of Noise".