Magic Pony Ride
It feels right that *Magic Pony Ride* came out in 2022. For one, it’s the 25th anniversary of *Lunatic Harness*, an album whose sweet-and-sour mix of breakbeats and nursery-ready melodies helped define late-’90s electronic music. But it’s also Mike Paradinas’ first μ-Ziq album in nine years, a period during which he turned his attention to his label, Planet Mu, and put out some of the more pertinent, conversation-shifting stuff in 2010s dance: the Chicago footwork compilation *Bangs & Works*, DJ Rashad, Jlin, RP Boo. So, consider *Magic Pony Ride* a homecoming. The music has its wild moments (“Turquoise Hyperfizz”), but it’s generally a mellow, domesticated affair, the sound of IDM and drill ’n’ bass seen through the rose-colored glasses of middle age (“Picksing,” “Elka’s Song”). The lunatic has settled, and the harness hangs in the closet like a set of old spurs—but the spark remains (“Brown Chaos”).
On his first full solo release on Planet Mu in nine years, veteran IDM producer Mike Paradinas looks to the past, pairing jungle breaks with sugary synths.
AllMusic provides comprehensive music info including reviews and biographies. Get recommendations for new music to listen to, stream or own.
Remastering his classic LP Lunatic Harness – plus an Icelandic horse-riding trip – inspired Mike Paradinas to make this often sumptuous disc