Search - U-Ziq :: Tango N Vectif

A classic album re-released!

JLS | USA | 07/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mu-ziq was one of the first Ambient Techno artists that came out after Richard D. James. Where as Richard D. James focused more on simplistic melodies and put more emphasis on distorted rythm, Mu-ziq's Mike Paradinas kept the distorted rythms and added to them greatly with complex orchestrations. Although the orchestrations are not nearly as complicated in this album as they are in Paradinas' later works (Lunatic Harness especially coming to mind) it does far surpass the other ambient techno albums around at the time (Richard D. James' included). At first listen to this album, it does seem rather dated. Most of the sounds are being produced by old synths. The production value is clearly analogue, and the the drums are still repetitive and distorted. Yet, even with the age of the album apparent, you can truly hear that many of the present electronic artists have borrowed quite a bit from Paradinas' work. Moreso, in some ways than Mr. James. Even though Richard D. James bascially invented the genre, it seems like Paradinas perfected it. This album is actually a rerelease of the first Mu-ziq album. This rerelease is far superior to the original in almost every way. The original was not nearly as crisp or clean as this disc. Every part is extremely clear (the drums are supposed to be distorted, by the way), and well mixed. There are about a disc's worth of new tracks included on this rerelease, in fact, enough for another disc! There are several tracks that were included on the original that have been extended (for the better). Even if you do own the original Tango N' Vectif and like it, this purchase is still worth your while. This disc is about the same price of a single disc and there is enough new material to fill more than a single disc, so it is well worth your money even if you own the original. Although some people might not agree, if you like the Aphex Twin's older albums such as I Care Because You Do or Selected Ambient Works Vol. 1, this album will surely blow you away. In conclusion, if you like quality, artistic, and ultra-catchy electronic music, get this album. However, in order to enjoy this album, you must be able to get past the age of this album and overly distorted drums. So if you have never heard Mu-ziq before or aren't really fond of Aphex Twin's older work (even though this far surpasses it, but does bear simalarities), please listen to some of the samples graciously provided by Amazon.com or to some MP3's before making this purchase."

Hands down mike p.'s best work

nyrkr | NY | 07/12/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"even though this was his first album it is still clearly his best work. two discs of ambient scapes and crunchy bangers.
similar in style to bluff limbo orchestral without the cheesy bad strings he ran with on royal astronomy... enjoy this with urmer bile tracks(drum& bass) and in pine effect(further expansion of ideas started on tango) for the best full understanding of the sonic pallette paradinas is working with in his u-ziq moniker....worth it for the 3part phragmal synthesis "suite" alone..."

Some of the best music I've ever heard

nyrkr | 03/07/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ok, I just got this album so I dunno how relevent my words of wisdom (or lack thereof) may be, but I've listened to it plenty of times.Mu-Ziq's early work seems to be pretty much completely ignored for some bizzare reason, I say that becuase it is VERY VERY good and very unique.The sound diplayed on this album is that of distoted dance/breakbeats heavily layered to great effect on almost every track, contrasted by light pretty melodies. It creates a great energy to it, really gets you moving. Some of these melodies are even better than on Lunatic Harness. They have a nostalgic, videogamey feel but are all very beautiful. More often than on Mu-Ziq's other releases he displays a darker side as well, also to great effect.Because I just got this it's hard to pick highlights but so far my favourites are the title track, which just get's better and better as it goes along, Aqueam (ambient mixed with hardcore distored breakbeats) Beatnik #2, Phragmal Synthesis part3 (an amazing dancey track, similar to the dance tracks on his Bluff Limbo album) Whale Soup, a watery ambient song, Amenida 2, Driving is easy and Methyl Albion.And above all, Swan Vesta. This is the most amazing song I have heard in quite some time.There are a few tracks I didn't like, but the good tracks FAR outweigh the bad so it's defenitely a worthy purchase."