Various internet forums tagged with »IDM« are buzzing with discussion about Mike Paradinas, aka µ-Ziq. The reason? His latest album, »Grush«, released on his label Planet µ, a home for grime, dubstep, breakcore, acid, glitchy shoegaze and footwork for nearly 30 years.
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Records Revisited: µ-Ziq – Lunatic Harness (1997)
ColumnOn »Grush«, µ-Ziq doesn’t get caught up in nostalgia, even if a few tracks hint at the early days of braindance. However, the majority of the album promises adventurous passages that draw on familiar palettes like jungle, footwork, and breakbeats, but love to switch things up or lapse into a frenzy and hectic descent through clever interpretations. Besides the melodic richness and his usual excellent drumming, the clever programming is what sets »Grush« apart. At times, it sounds like sections were recorded live and then quickly thrown together at home or in a hotel room. The result is a hybrid that definitely works both in the club and at home. The freshness and energy are infectious.
