Brace yourself!!! Widely considered to be µ-Ziq’s finest work, Lunatic Harness was originally released in 1997 on Virgin Records (imagine!). You might describe the album (and its adjacent EPs) as an expansion pack for the lush sonic world inhabited all too briefly by Richard D. James on The Richard D. James Album - it's full of the same woodchipped breaks, pillowy strings and detuned leads in beaming technicolor - but to do so would be to rob µ-Ziq, aka Planet Mu boss Mike Paradinas, of his singular mood building chops (“Secret Stair #1,“ “Worcester”) or his ability to bridge the musical DNA of MoWax and Metalheadz in the span of 2 bars ("Catkin And Teasel”). You'd also be discrediting his jungle pass (eg. the street level Roland hoovers on "Summer Living” - it’s worth pointing out Mike's the only real Londoner of the IDM 'big four’ if there is such a thing - Aphex, Squarepusher, Paradinas and Vibert), or his ability to breathe new life into well-worn baggy pants downtempo (“Mushroom Compost,” “Blainville”). Other highlights: “My Little Beautiful,” “Hasty Boom Alert” (crikey!), “Hanky Pokery,” “Intellitag.” This much-needed 4LP boxset edition restores the album onto vinyl for the first time in 25 years, alongside the accompanying Brace Yourself and My Little Beautiful EPs, plus 3 previously unreleased bonus tracks from the era. 28 tracks in total, spread across four LPs, each individually packaged in full color repro pic sleeves with slipcase. Recommended!

• in-demand 1997 album from influential IDM / drill'n'bass producer Mike Paradinas, first time vinyl reissue
  
• 25th anniversary edition expanded w/ rare EPs + bonus tracks
• black 4xLP vinyl pressing
• individually housed in full color jackets w/ outer slipcase
  
• original release year: 1997
  
• music label: Planet Mu 2022

reviewed by miss abuse 07/2022