µ-Ziq (u-ziq) Xtep

This is the first new µ-ziq material in quite some time. I wasn’t sure what to expect really, although the breakcore phase was bound to come to an end. It kicks off with ‘XT’ which is a tuneful, catchy track with a synth melody that’s pure homage to Boards Of Canada. Like a track off their ‘Hi-Scores’ EP. It has that playful, almost sugary, but not sickly-sweet kind of feel of some of his early material but here the beats are pretty restrained. Then ‘Ritm’ is a real surprise, a piano house tune that you might have heard dropped at an early 90s rave. There’s certainly a retro/nostalgic feel to both tracks on the A-side.

Pulsar doffs its cap to Giorgio Moroder with a cosmic disco/electro hybrid, again all lush melodies and sparkling production. ‘Monj2’ brings some Jega flavour to the EP with tougher, skittering beats. ‘New Bimple’ sees the piano make another appearance with some gentle melancholy tinkling and good old-fashioned IDM/electronica.

This really sounds like Mike wearing his influences on his sleeve, and why not eh?! Comes with download.