µ-ziq: Brace Yourself
Planet µ/Astralwerks/Caroline, 1998
The Brace Yourself EP by µ-ziq is one of the most upbeat electronic releases I’ve purchased in quite some time. It opens with a bouncy drum and bass remix of “Brace Yourself Jason” from the Lunatic Harness album. Then Paradinas darkens the mood a tad with the brooding, suspenseful “Kubba.” A quirky melody kicks in just before the two-minute mark. “Vaken Bolt” is a bit brighter, reminding me of Aphex Twin’s Richard D. James Album. Bizarre instruments weave in and out of lush chords and peppy percussion, but the track ends at just over two minutes. “Losers March” is also very melodic and catchy. “Summer Living,” perhaps my favorite track on the EP, is difficult to describe. An energetic roving bassline bubbles under swirls of sound and a very Paradinas-esque melody with beats that are fast and furious. “Intellitag” seems to lack some of the depth the other tracks possess, but it’s pleasant in a silly sort of way. Luckily it’s followed by the delicious “Abmoit” with a laid-back beat and swirling organ-like sounds. Finally, “Brace Yourself (Reprise)” wraps up the CD with a simple music box melody, some classic vocal stabs, and a bouncing bass over the rolling beats. Overall, a very satisfying release.
