Sense - Z.I.P.P.O (VOITAX)

Title: Sense

Artist: Z.I.P.P.O

Label: VOITAX

Cat Number: VOI030

Genre: IDM/Techno/Breaks

A1: Aquarius

A2: Sense

A3: There Is No Light

B1: Esq

B2: F17th

This is a piece of work which journeys across a spectrum of beats while underpinning them with an atmospheric foundation, the likes of which have become more abundant over the previous couple of years. There seems to be a burgeoning trend in this approach. It reminds me of 96 Back’s output, there’s room for both melancholia and whimsy on the same tracks, but no two sound the same because of fluctuating beats. Maybe it can ll be traced beck to Aphex Twin? This is always an engaging listen, which ranges from the heavy: ‘Sense’ through to the gossamer ‘F17th’. In between there are other twitches and glitches; ‘There Is No Light’ and ‘Esq’ are a peak of sorts, the latter’s busy, but cohesive drum and bass played off to great effect against the former’s equally deep gloominess.  In this context, ‘Aquarius’ is a deliberate scene setter, with its broken beats, deadpan synth swirls and dawn of time swamp squelches. One to listen to holding a glass of the strong stuff and smoking a fat one while society collapses.