Comments on: μ-ZIQ: Duntisbourne Abbots Soulmate Devastation Technique (Planet-μ)

By: IDMer2000

IDMer2000 — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 10:56:08 +0000

Eh..the thing that the author praised Mu for was being at the forefront and like Aphex trying different things. Some of us arent tied into the pop scene and enjoy the occasional dark album and this is one of them. If you understand the background. the split from his partner hence the name of some tracks you understand his mood at time of writing. This will go on to be another classic and rightly so. I’d give this 4 out of 5 easy…..oh well heres waiting for Plaids new release

By: Headphone Commute

Headphone Commute — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 23:56:21 +0000

Sigh… so am I going to have to hunt this down and give it a proper listen? Like I said earlier, I was avoiding it at all costs to avoid being totally let down…

By: David Abravanel

David Abravanel — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 22:49:51 +0000

It’s interesting to look back on this album a year later. I think the album certainly has a theme, but I wouldn’t necessarily label it cohesive as it’s too long and tends to get lost on some mediocre ideas.

Kyle, I’m intrigued by your classification of these pieces as “minimalist.” I considered that possible intent when original writing the review, but ultimately could not escape the feeling that Paradinas just didn’t put as much into these. Of course, I could be 100% wrong on this, but compared to Bilious Paths, which was such a strong and captivating release, I’m thoroughly puzzled as to how Duntisbourne could be the follow-up.

And the statement about it being foolish to give up on Mike Paradinas still stands. I put on Meast by Kid Spatula earlier today and he has this knack for putting soul in digital synths.

By: kyle

kyle — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 04:13:24 +0000

I had a similar reaction as the reviewer upon first listen but have come to appreciate the album. Granted, it isn’t especially ground breaking, it reminds me of some old Autechre stuff in places or some of his early work like Ad Misericordiam.

Though I really enjoy some of the “detuned” melodies. One note in a melody will seem to bend at a steady rate to match a later note in the melody. Everything may have been done before but I don’t feel like Paradinas is beating anything into the ground with these, slightly more minimalist, pieces.

The album is very cohesive as a whole and happens to be one of few of his albums where I won’t skip some tracks, writing them off as failed experiments. At the same time it’s hard to say any one track on this album is actually better than Siege of Antioch, Brace Yourself Jason, Meinheld, Catkin and Teasel, Secret Stair 1&2, Hasty Boom Alert, Carpet Muncher, 56, My Menegegus, or any of my other “fav” u-ziq tracks.

By: themilkman

themilkman — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 11:09:38 +0000

Planet Mu is certainly going from strength to strength, but I’m sure Mike’s got some more brillant albums in him. I was listening to the double CD version of Tango yesterday and thought how great it still sounds now. I then got onto his Jake Slazenger Makesaracket album which is one of my favourite of his. Royal Astronomy was also dug out for a spin. An bit of a Mike P day really. I still think my favourite of his is the album he did with Richard D James though. One of them apparently said that this was what happened when you did too much drugs, but it is one of the most playful electronic albums I know.

By: Headphone Commute

Headphone Commute — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 12:21:56 +0000

After some negative feedback from my friends, I didn’t even bother picking this up, as I’m afraid of having negative vibes towards Mike whom I followed all through his career. Better stay focused on his label, which is pushing quiet an interesting roster of idm-meets-dubstep these days…

By: Daar

Daar — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:34:15 +0000

I find this release relaxing and full of beautiful synth lines, it’s just different from other μ-ZIQ albums, 3.5 out 5 man, at least!

By: themilkman

themilkman — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:10:46 +0000

I must admit that I was very disapointed with this album came out, but I haven’t managed to enjoy it since. It feels really rushed and seriously lacking of substance, unlike most of Mike’s work. I have tried to go back to it, but it is still not doing it for me.

By: mortald

mortald — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 17:34:32 +0000

I disagree with the above review. I think this work has some real heart. Give it another, more thoughtful, listen.

By: unhot

unhot — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 15:00:32 +0000

Yep, pretty much agree with David – after listening it sounded like the usual sound structures, that we have heard in the past going back to the dawn of his career, with little straining with those tools to map out new territories.

Failures can be exciting, especially when they strive for something grand. This is not the case here.

This release left the same kind of taste as James’ Drukqs – all the architecture for a inspiring building is there, but it seems contracted out to people who either have no quality control, are rushed, or who merely do not care.