FZV - Precedent
[Ai Records]

What do they put in Ai's water? It's clearly something the rest of the music industry could benefit hugely from.

In 'Precedent' we hear a collection of criminally forgotten rarities from FZV's various compilation appearances. Dating back from the last four years, FZV's is a sinister approach, heavily relying on atmospheric synths and chaotic beats to produce seriously moody music.

Without sounding dated, it also evokes past reminders of electronica's finest; echoes of early Aphex and Autechre - either way it's still well above conventional and mind-numbingly average dance music.

It's liberating to think this compilation was created using nothing more than a dusty sampler and home computer, instead of expensive hardware trends and an overuse of studio effects. Just as vital as ever and what helped established Ai as the key label in electronica.

It's reassurance that electronic music can both be intelligent and fun, while steering clear from pretentious areas. While it may lack the head-blow impact of his more developed recent material, but like a fine wine it's aged increasingly well over time.