The new EP from Richard D. James, the absolutely mad scientist operating under the moniker of Aphex Twin, sees the veteran soundsmith in his element as he bleeps, bloops, and glitches his way across 4 remarkably good tracks.
If his last release, Collapse, was a little over the top with its hard-hitting dissection of techno subgenres like footwork, drill and bass, here the vibe is suitably more low-key, with some of the compositions harkening back to the ambient-techno days of old. Genres aside, what truly stands out here is the organic quality of the production – a paradox given the entirely electronic nature of the music. It’s as though Aphex Twin has breathed life into the circuits, infusing them with an almost tangible vitality.
The EP’s title track, ‘Blackbox Life Recorder 21f’, exemplifies this fusion exquisitely. Opening with a drum groove that sounds more like disco than anything this cut satisfyingly unfurls into hypnotic drum and bass induced bliss. As the layers unfold there’s a distinct sense of intimacy, and a tactile warmth that contrasts with the distant coolness of Aphex Twin’s persona. His experimentation with unconventional sound sources is also evident in ‘in a room7 F760’ with a gloriously glitchy interlude which showcases the master’s dextrous manipulation of sound, noise, and music.
Blackbox is testament to Aphex Twin’s unparalleled ability to create music that is at once complex and inviting. With a genuine organic feel emanating from its electronic core, this EP exemplifies the artist’s genius in his pure element. Whether a dedicated fan or a newcomer to his mad world, this release offers a captivating glimpse into the mind of a dedicated artist at the peak of his powers. A full-length album is welcome anytime.
