Reflekzionz is
Planet Mu's second widely available collection of material by
Nick Edwards'
Ekoplekz project, not counting limited double LP Four Track Mind and hypnotic 12" EP Entropik. As with acclaimed 2014 full-length Unfidelity, Reflekzionz shows a slightly more accessible side to
Edwards' prolific body of work, giving more prominence to warm melodies and movable (if not quite danceable) rhythms. Make no mistake,
Edwards' brand of grubby industrial electronics still sounds like it was concocted in a cluttered home studio on barely functional obsolete equipment, but on tracks like "A Caustic Romance" and "Dubnium 268," the combination of abrasive beats and sweet, abstract melodies brings to mind some of the best mid-'90s work by
Aphex Twin and
Planet Mu boss
Mike Paradinas under his best-known moniker,
µ-Ziq. The title "Black Calkz" might possibly even be a dig at
Aphex's many song titles featuring the word "Calx" preceded by a color.
Edwards' heavy dub effects recall the industrial dread of fellow Bristol native
Mark Stewart, but without his snarling punk vocals. Reflekzionz is a fascinating album, and could possibly be the best entry point into
Edwards' vast, intimidating discography. ~ Paul Simpson