Aside from the occasional remix and forming the band Heterotic with his wife Rix-Martin, with whom he recently released the LP Love and Devotion, µ-Ziq, aka Mike Paradinas, has been silent for a while. However, with Xtep, he makes a notable comeback and offers a taste of his upcoming album slated for this summer. Unlike his previous works, Xtep is joyful from beginning to end. These five tracks trade alternative exploration for a generally lighter approach.