The bullet-torn body on the cover of this ridiculously-titled record suggests Mike Paradinas is up to his usual ear-splitting antics. Not so, though; the producer’s latest µ-Ziq LP (out since last summer on his label, Planet Mu) is actually a shimmering journey of melodic techno not unlike the classic compositions of a certain Richard D. James. Not that it’s a completely accessible affair; something–what we’re not sure, but something–is a little off throughout the album’s 17 tracks. Or to quote one of the record’s song titles, the whole thing feels woozy, like a waking dream as scored by nothing but toasty analogue synths and percussion patterns that split like atoms.
Truth be told, it’s like 1995 all over again (I Care Because You Do, say what?), but who cares when the songs are this strong? By avoiding two extremes–the sparse & spooky side of minimal techno and the nihilistic noise of purist IDM productions–Paradinas has crafted a techno collection actually worth hearing at 10 in the morning or 3 at night.
Song samples: http://www.planet-mu.com/discography/ZIQ190
