The duality and eclecticism of IMANU: A review of the “Paradise” EP

In the past few years, the French producer and sound design whiz IMANU has been making waves and leaving a momentous mark on the European Drum and bass scene- all with his sharp intellect for an industrial and modernist take. “Unfold“, his debut album from last year saw huge acclaim and cemented the moniker as one of the most exciting and promising acts, easily switching between genres like Trap and House as well.

IMANU’s latest venture “Paradise“, is an 8-track EP that continues exploration and diversification of his style. Filled to the brim with tracks of various genres, “Paradise” establishes a clear divide between two distinct styles explored within the EP; stark contrasts to each other: chill, mellow, pop, and dance-infused style and the more characteristic rough and tough yet intricate DnB/Trap sound, which he is best known in past labels such as UKF and VISION. The project doesn’t stylistically adapt any order on general observation, it more or less shuffles songs from different makes together. Thus, we have a rather thrilling and enjoyable experience as it is hard to predict what’s next.

This review has four notable tracks in the EP, which best comprises IMANU’s prowess and multifaceted talent.

Aching (On A High) [with lia]
78/100

Starting off with “Aching (On A Hight)” with a vocal feature from lia, the listener is immediately presented with a calm yet esoteric mood; the highlight being a peculiar dialogue/broadcast snippet heard in the intro. Lia’s incredibly soothing and hypnotic vocals carry the track onward towards the buildup and then the drop, which introduces a minimal and smooth Deep House beat: complete with a sonorous bassline and nuanced synths and chords.

This track is analogous in fashion to “Temper“, another track on IMANU’s Unfold album and also featuring lia. One side of the dually contrasted nature of this EP is revealed with this opener, as IMANU goes for a more mainstream sound, and the chilled-out vibe works quite well.

Of Two Minds (with Rhode)
87/100

“Of Two Minds” (with Rhode) can be perceived as a sort of transitory merge between two singular styles present in this project, and became my personal favorite. It melds the dance element of the EP with a more classic, hulking DnB facet of IMANU, turning out into an energetic and sonically dynamic excerpt from the EP. Rhode’s pleasant and enigmatic tones lead the way to the exhilarating buildup- showcasing an infectious vocal effect-sampled lead. The drop itself is highly intriguing, segmented into two rudimentary sections: first a more melodic DnB sequence with the aforesaid lead, and the follow-up a more brutally gritty Breakbeat approach.

The conclusion is brutal and sonically heavy-hitting at the same time, having a dance-oriented track with a mainstream appeal; a quick look at the Spotify stats demonstrates that aspect as well. The track is a DnB anthem that, in my opinion, is the defining song for this EP.

Dream Sequence (with The Glitch Mob)
85/100

Perhaps the most jarring and abrasive, “Dream Sequence” is most the innovative. The fourth track is a collaboration with The Glitch Mob, and the listener can already predict what’s oncoming based on the title alone. It’s a masterfully executed, extremely hefty, aggressive Trap/Dubstep track. The best way to visualize this would be gears grinding relentlessly with each other. IMANU’s inventive and technical prowess is at full display here, combined with The Glitch Mob’s uncanny sound design.

The display of industrial and overdriven bass and growls is the main highlight of this song; it transforms, unwinds, ravels, and twists around throughout. The track wastes no time, getting to the main attractions straight away towards the drop. The subtle melodies and stutters created within the heavy bassline and others are impressive!

“Dream Sequence” has the most listens out of any track in the EP, despite being the least radio-friendly. Showing the best of both parties involved, the artistry and expertise in sound production here is absolutely superb.

Life Like This (with VISLA, YAANO, & Tudor)
81/100

The final track for inspection is the sixth member of the EP, “Life Like This“. It’s a smooth and rather relaxed Liquid DnB track with a laid-back vocal performance, and a sleek drop completing the intricate melodies and jingles. It begins with a placid ambiance, complemented with tender vocals (assuming it’s Tudor), quickly transitioning into the mysterious and breezy drop. The fast tempo and flow of the song render it an amusing and carefree affair; gentle melodies sprinkled through the drop emerge satisfyingly, and the natural progression and development lead to seamless integration.

“Life Like This” is a perfect showcase of IMANU’s flawless ability to delve into softer DnB style, and its near-fetching atmosphere perfect for a midnight drive.

Paradise EP extends the direction set by IMANU’s debut album “Unfold”, the evolution of his style clearly set toward multiple dimensions. Filled with several genres and moods, it creates a uniquely predictable and special experience. It might not hit the corresponding highs of “Unfold” or other singles from the said alias, but still pulls off to be a noteworthy chapter in his discography: a chapter I would definitely like to revisit in the future as well!