lunatic harness

μ-ziq

astralwerks, 1997

Mood—Glitchy, jangled, with a hint of sunshine.

Sample: "Brace Yourself Jason"

Thoughts— When you're picking out your artist name, try to make it something that people can actually type online. This is something that is a bit of a given nowadays, though I suppose back the early 90s that wasn't quite as obvious.

I suppose he goes by Mu-Ziq when necessary, but the correct spelling would be μ-ziq.

Anyhow, the music. I am always interested in hearing electronic music that gets glitchy, that takes rhythm to extremes, and that is fully of fun craziness, but it needs to have some element of musicality to it. There is much about Autechre and Aphex Twin that I like, but much that I can't stand. With μ-ziq's Lunatic Harness, the right balance between melody and microchips has been struck.

While I like almost all of the tracks on this album, it's not incredibly memorable. I find that with this type of music, my mind can't find purchase, and once I'm done listening I haven't really traveled anywhere. This is the sort of music I can work to, or drive to, but I wouldn't put it on for a party or to blend in with dinner conversation. It's an odd duck.

Ultimately you just have to like this kind of music to listen to it. There aren't too many people in my circle of friends that would. Still, I put it on from time to time while I sketch or write code. I can't say there are any standout tracks on this one... it's straight up solid.

Recommended? Hmm... this is a tough one. If you like the sample track, you'll like the album.

Link—μ-Ziq on Wikipedia

Tracklist
1. Brace Yourself Jason
2. Hasty Boom Alert
3. Mushroom Compost
4. Blainville
5. Lunatic Harness
6. Approaching Menace
7. My Little Beautiful
8. Secret Stair, Pt. 1
9. Secret Stair, Pt. 2
10. Wannabe
11. Catkin and Teasel
12. London
13. Midwinter Log