Experimental artist Aphex Twin, also known as Richard D. James, is widely known for his innovative and particularly unique style of creating electronic music. Aside from being known as a groundbreaking electronic musician, James also enjoys collecting expired war machinery such as tanks and living in an old converted bank building.
Drukqs, James's new two-disc record, is packed with plenty of computer-generated soundscapes and melodies that will make your head spin. It also includes tracks that are composed of nothing but piano and/or prepared piano. These tracks in particular give Drukqs a very organic and sympathetic feel, while other moments on the record are pleasantly harsh and informative.
The organically composed piano tracks are interesting. James chose to include them because he's sick of being ripped off musically. This also is the reason that he supposedly doesn't have the desire to release any of his "truly innovative" tracks.
Having a brand new, two-disc Aphex Twin record is a bit overwhelming and difficult to absorb, but it's nothing to make a huge fuss about. Like all previous releases,computerized madness is seamlessly integrated within Drukqs, creating articulated order from chaos. On both discs, James takes the listener on an emotional roller-coaster ride with a premeditated song order that's aesthetically polarized.
Because it's a concoction of his previous talents, Drukqs is fairly reminiscent of previous milestones such as the self-titled Richard D. James, Come to Daddy and the obscure Ambient Works V.II. Drukqs is full of white noise, kids yelling, sweet piano, stoccotic drumbeats, random screaming, foreign track titles, abrupt changes and lots, lots more.
To put it simply, both discs manage to impress with a ballet between musical chaos and soothing elegance. Drukqs is a pleasure to listen to, and even the moments that seem difficult still manage to strike certain nerves that make me want to continue listening.
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For years, James has been running aimlessly from individuals who might proclaim him a musical genius. His records are unquestionably groundbreaking, but they don't necessarily go anywhere. They leave you with an addictive aftertaste that can't be accurately identified.
Maybe the appeal of Aphex Twin is that he leaves you in the dark, wanting more. He teases you with hair standing, clever drum breaks and, then, out of nowhere, softly plays his piano.
I advise everyone to go out and buy Drukqs right now. This record will fill your hungry ego with informative drumbeats and smartly composed noise that will keep you listening and asking questions for quite a while.
