Aphex Twin – “Minipops 67 [120.2][Source Field Mix]”
This is the first Aphex Twin song in 13 years, and it shows. That hauntingly altered voice, those glimmering pianos, and an off-balance sense of forward motion mark “minipops 67 [120.2][source field mix]” as undoubtedly the work of experimental electronic pioneer Richard D. James. But there is a sense of completing the circle here too, as if James is now being inspired by some of the artists he undoubtedly influenced. The music bears traces of Caribou’s liquid bounce and Burial’s high-minded skittering, while the vocals reflect Thom Yorke’s alien moaning. It’s the first track on James’ forthcoming Syro, and it makes for a lovely reintroduction.
As with Syro’s album cover, which lists the costs associated with producing the album, the “minipop” single artwork (below) features stats related to Aphex Twin activity on YouTube for the past seven months. And like the music itself, it’s weird, wonderful, and unnerving in a way only Aphex can be. Complete the experience by pressing play.
Syro is out 9/23 on Warp.