In the year 2000 the form of electronic music coined as "intelligent dance music" finally got dished up some well-deserved recognition. With record labels such as Warp leading the way for years, IDM's newfound respect also made way for questions as to what is the genre's definition and what its... [+] Expand

In the year 2000 the form of electronic music coined as "intelligent dance music" finally got dished up some well-deserved recognition. With record labels such as Warp leading the way for years, IDM's newfound respect also made way for questions as to what is the genre's definition and what its title really means. Jamie Lidell's release Muddlin Gear serves as a good answer and a prime example as to what electronic music standards fit the niche.

Lidell's sound rests on the thicker side of IDM, with Muddlin Gear's heavy programming and clustered, scattered samples and sounds. The music is chunky, dense, and layered, reminiscent of a child with a severe attention disorder. On the other hand, it is also intelligent, as its style and quality fit no mold. The production is clean and the programming, though seeming rough, is actually detailed and polished. With track five, "In Inphidelik," there is some obvious Aphex Twin influence along with scattered Squarepusher flavor. With both artists being such heavy influences on the world of IDM and overall electronic music, it is hard to produce much of anything without both having some sort of haunting ubiquity. The track "Looming Presence" brings in vocals, and borders between being a poke at most R&B tracks and a very well-done blend of IDM and R&B sounds. Listeners are left to ponder if they should commend the single or have a good chuckle at it, as with the album's last track -- a straight-up doo wop song. ~ Diana Potts, All Music Guide [-] Collapse

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