Mike Paradinas returns as µ-Ziq with Scurlage, his first full-length album of new material since 2013. Produced during the summer lockdown in 2020, Paradinas conveys a relatable sense of mood swings.
Paradinas conveys a relatable sense of mood swings
If you had spoken to me just over a year ago, I would have had to admit, and somewhat embarrassingly divulge, the fact I had not listened to a great deal of Mike Paradinas’ work. It feels a little like those self confessions of only seeing two Tarantino films—where someone in the room gasps—but these things happen. The only real explanation is that I have always held Lunatic Harness (1997, Planet Mu/Astralwerks) in such high regard, that whilst I have not been granted the sequel I’d get by listening back to that seminal release when I had the itch.
Nostalgia: it’s a killer for moving forward sometimes
However, we all know a lot can happen within a year. Bandcamp has proven a true stomping ground for artists, labels and fans alike. Mike has taken it in his stride to make available much of his back-catalogue, amongst handfuls of recent Tusken Raider releases too. Combine that with word of a forthcoming release on my current favorite label Analogical Force, it was hard to ignore the buzz. If there were ever a time to re-engage with Mike’s work—it was now.
Mike Paradinas returns as µ-Ziq with Scurlage, his first full-length album of new material since 2013. Produced during the summer lockdown in 2020, Paradinas conveys a relatable sense of mood swings.
Kick starting with a heavy-toned lead and dark angel choir of “Blakers Loop,” its intensity works as a strange palette cleanser for any expectation I had going into this. The atmosphere shifts throughout each track, contemplating the erratic thoughts of Mike Paradinas trying to navigate a pandemic. Having produced the tracks whilst spending some downtime around the Gower Peninsula, at least we can assume he was getting plenty of fresh air—whilst taking inspiration from the neolithic burial ground of Arthur’s Stone, which graces the cover art.
One joyous call to arms movement
As we’re met with pensive thoughts of what is to come next, Mike strategically depicts one joyous call to arms movement within “Preston Melodics,” before we plummet back into a bizarre dystopian summer holiday in “Murker.” There are moments that Paradinas translates as if he discovered some hidden scriptures whilst on his hikes. “Cleaning,” carries this idea through, as one can imagine the beating sun on worshippers who are clanging tools within the compound of this highland area.
Optimism does make several appearances, taking a few melodic interests in tracks like “Oxwich & Penrice,” as well as “Bentley”—both standing as highlight tracks, scratching my nostalgic itch. One visions the seaside areas named as a taste of a normal summer buried within the unpredictable dialogue just sitting behind us. Taking a punt, Bentley being the family dog enjoying a good sprint into the ocean. This LP concludes with “Strawberry Aero,” which serves as a beautiful cool down as the sunsets from this refreshing journey away with Mike’s ever raw and mature, yet playful approach to producing. Consider me officially re-engaged!
Analogical Force is a label based out of Madrid, Spain and Scurlage is the their 38th release. With 2021 already seeing Bit Folder, Velum Break & Bewwip on their release roster and Mike returning with a brand new µ-Ziq LP—they are definitely proving to be at the forefront of electronic music.
Scurlage is available on Analogical Force. [Bandcamp]
