In just over ten years, Mike Paradinas has established
himself as one of the pioneering artists of the electronic
scene, with a variety of projects ranging from µ-ziq
to the mambo-infused Gary Moscheles. The first occurrence
of the Kid Spatula alias goes back to 1995, one of the
most prolific moments of Paradinas’s career. Following
his Makesaracket album as Jake Slazenger, released
on the now defunct Clear Records, the Kid’s first
album, Spatula Freak, was released on Kim Cascone’s
San Francisco-based Reflective. On this album, Paradinas
was providing his audience with yet another angle on
electronica. Taking some of the vibes of his In
Pine Effect µ-ziq album of the same year,
he presented with this record more sober and sparse
soundscapes, yet retaining the essence of his earlier
work. Five years later, he released Full Sunken
Breaks, published on his own Planet Mu label, a
collection of tracks sounding something between his
later µ-ziq releases and the work of his long-term
friend Richard D. James.
Returning with the third Kid Spatula album barely a
year after the daring Bilious
Path, Mike Paradinas presents a selection of
unreleased material scanning his work between 1994 and
1998.
Clocking at thirty four tracks spread well over two
hours, Meast is somewhat more disparate than
what Paradinas had got his public used to, lacking some
of the focus of records such as Tango
N’ Vectif, In Pine Effect of
Full Sunken Breaks. Yet, the quality of most
of the tracks included remains high. Ranging from bopping
moments (the tongue-in-cheek opener Housewife)
to classic electronic compositions (Shistner’s
Bassflex, Local Jogger, Jackal,
Sad & Solid) and beautiful ambient constructions
(Member, My Piano & Me, Pound
&), this album offers an interesting view of
the man’s work during the second half of the nineties,
gives some interesting perspective on his later work.
Blending stark electronic soundscapes, hip-hop or jazzy
influences and stunning melodies, Paradinas has carved
a special place for himself, and this album comprehensively
highlights his interesting take on the genre. Nothing
here is as complex or hard hitting as last year’s
Bilious Path.
The disarmingly simple melodies of tracks such as Shistner’s
Bassflex, Trike, Orange Crumble,
Measty or Broccoli contrast with the
more intricate Weiro, Further 2 or
Harpsichord, and the variety of sonic landscapes
represented could disconcert new comers but is likely
to get the old school electronica fans reminiscing.
Alongside Aphex Twin,
Luke Vibert and, later
on Squarepusher,
Mike Paradinas has proved one of the most consistent
and prolific musicians of his generation. Yet, his style
has always been utterly unique. More melodic and accessible
than most, his music has evolved in a variety of direction
but never lost its soul, and Meast, if not perhaps the
Kid Spatula record that fans wanted to hear, is at least
a testament of that.
4.1/5 |
