U-Ziq 'Duntisbourne Abbots Soulmate Devastation Technique''

U-ZIQ (μ-ziq)

DUNTISBOURNE ABBOTS SOULMATE DEVASTATION TECHNIQUE

PLANET MU

3LP/CD

(AUGUST 2007)

‘Duntisbourne Abbots Soulmate Devastation Technique’ is U-Ziq’s first new album for four years and first new material released since 2005.

It’s a more reflective body of work compared to the whirlwind of chaos that was ‘Bilious Paths’. Introspective and rather melancholic, U-Ziq (real name Mike Paradinas) revisits his roots in the early 90s ambient techno scene pioneered by, among others, The Black Dog, Aphex Twin and himself.

Amongst these 17 tracks of off-key melodies, nauseous harmonies and woozy beats can be found gems such as the beautiful ‘Strawberry Fields Hotel’ in which a lone bassline strikes out a refrain of unexpected simplicity while bees swarm overhead around a fig tree. And ‘Drum Light’ where a five-part melody gives way to a startling noise assault. ‘Acid Steak Night’, a collaboration with label mate The Doubtful Guest, is a more straightforward techno number with 303 basslines warring it out with spooky melodic synthlines.

A melodic tour de force.