Adrian Thaws, aka Tricky, is currently riding high from the success and acclaim of Massive Attack's Protection, one of last year's finer releases. Although he was a founding member of that group, Tricky has always worked on projects aside from the Massive, including producing artists such as Neneh Cherry and Bjork.
On his new solo record Maxiniquaye (in collaboration with vocalist Martina), he delivers a bittersweet club-friendly classic. Undeniably jazz influenced, the record's bass-saturated, guitar spiked grooves blend seemlessly with strings and samples to create a slick, sophisticated effect.
Maxiniquaye, named after his late mother, reveals a dark, experimental side with jaded lyrics, while the outstanding single, "Aftermath", demonstrates surreal overtones with its slow groovin' and cool struttin'. On "Pumpkin," Martina delivers a hypnotic, melancholy diva-like sound, demonstrating an emotional starkness that rivals that of Beth Gibbons of Portishead.
Maxiniquaye's strength lies in its sometimes shocking honesty and personal insights, but it also possesses an edgy, sensual charm that guarantees it will rank equally with the recent success of other Bristol-based artists.
