Da Subwayz Selectionz: Subwayz Selectionz Top 30 Albums of 2014 7 Aphex Twin

Tuesday, 23 December 2014

My Top 30 Albums of 2014

7. Aphex Twin: Syro (Warp)

Tracklisting

minipops 67 [120.2][source field mix]
XMAS_EVET10 [120][thanaton3 mix]
produk 29 [101]
4 bit 9d api+e+6 [126.26]
180db_ [130]
CIRCLONT6A [141.98][syrobonkus mix]
fz pseudotimestretch+e+3 [138.85]
CIRCLONT14 [152.97][shrymoming mix]
syro u473t8+e [141.98][piezoluminescence mix]
PAPAT4 [155][pineal mix]
s950tx16wasr10 [163.97][earth portal mix]
aisatsana [102]

The album Drukqs was released back in 2001, and after much speculation the omens were all in place. There were stencils on the pavement, then a dirigible floating in the London sky, and after much fanfare, media direction and/or misdirection Syro was finally released by Warp on the momentous date (for me) of September 21st. Syro contains all the hallmarks of Richard D James, drillbit breaks, nifty keyboard swirls, crackles, and vocoders. Syro chugs along at times at a fair pace, and is enhanced with some timely drum n bass breaks. However, as much as I like Syro I can't help but feel desensitized by this new material. It is said that 'Imitation is the highest form of flattery' and Aphex Twin has been imitated, cloned and flattered over the last few years. So the new album lacks the originality factor which slightly takes away from the impact. Saying that, Syro is still a good album.

My Standout Track: minipops 67 [120.2][source field mix]