Squazoid - Voyage Across the Unknown (2017)

There are a huge amount of people that have heard of Squazoid, the Parisian producer of dub infused electronica… and a fair few of them may have been wondering where he has hidden himself away lately, as it has been a while since his last album release. Well, for those of you who have missed this rather eclectic French producer and his sonic outpourings, the wait for another Squazoid album is over.

Due for release in February, is his latest production entitled “Voyage Across The Unknown”, via Nutek Chill… and what an addictive and accomplished long player it is.
From the opening bars of “Mishima No Kaeru” to the closing title track of “Voyage Across The Unknown”, the listener is enveloped in a colourful cascade of frequencies that are a pleasure to listen to and take no effort to imbibe.

“Voyage Across The Unknown” is a journey through varying beats, dubism and electronica and taking some influence from Eastern indigenous instrumentation, most notably the Japanese flute, koto and shamisen, this is an auditory story of many differing chapters.
The music warps and weaves around dub b-lines, purposeful and well programmed syncopated rhythms, layered with intricate synth lines, cleverly applied samples and vocals. These are then combined with guitar and stringed bass, adding extra warmth, depth and dimension to the album, which in turn, draw’s the listener into the wonderful musical world of Squazoid and all that it conjures up… and what an extraordinary place that is…!!!

Included on the album are his remixes for Dubsalon and Master Margherita, displaying some humour with recognisable riffs, as well as exploring the space of the originals… both of which are welcome and interesting additions to this long player.

This is a marvellously produced album, full of character and subtly, which teases and tantalises, a very enjoyable and pleasurable listening experience which grows with every play, thank you Mr Squazoid.

Ian (Liquid Lounge)