CZN - Commutator

A mere seconds after the last CZN record on Trilogy Tapes comes this latest near-album length EP from the trio and yet more evidence of Valentina Magaletti's superhuman work ethic. That last 12" marked a compositional departure for CZN by presenting their work in miniature, but here they return to their earlier output by presenting to long-form percussive tracks that rotate around Magaletti's polyrhythmic instincts, Joao Pais Filipe's use of 'raw material' percussion (basically, if you can hit it, he can make it sound good), and the ethereal dubwise production of Leon Marks. Muslimgauze are an obvious touchstone, and Filipe's metallic approach lends a little Cold Storage feel, and the time-dilating hypnotism of whole thing will certainly appeal to the 12th Isle set. Seems to have arrived in the shadow of Luxury Variations, but this arguably the best of CZN to date. High praise indeed.