Aphex Twin - Drukqs 2CD/4LP

RELEASES ON THE 20/11/26

Twenty-five years on from its original release, Warp Records brings Aphex Twin's "Drukqs" back into print on vinyl and CD.

Often proclaimed as electronica's one true genius, Richard James, AKA Aphex Twin, returns with a double CD that showcases his cleverness as well as his inevitable inscrutability. Still, amid macabre birthday songs, unsettling screams, and other bizarre touches, "Drukqs" offers the most technically accomplished and beautiful tracks of Aphex Twin's career.

Every aspect of the Aphex brain is on display here, from stark pieces performed on sampled piano and zither to Squarepusher-styled drum and bass implosions, all informed by that peculiar Aphex treatment of bittersweet melody and unparalleled programming. For an artist once engrossed in homages to his dead twin brother and grotesque videos, "Drukqs" shows James getting by purely on music alone.

Mt. Saint Michel Mix starts as maddening drum and bass, but is soon transfixed by glowing tones, hand drums, and police sirens. Vordhosbn is all acid beats and mad synths matched with fart-bombs and haunted cries. 54 Cymru Beats sounds more like the tweaked-out, goofball techno of Wagon Christ than Aphex, while Taking Control goes metaphysical with cerebral synth-drums and muddled vocals.

If "Drukqs" is the result of medication James has been imbibing during his three-year hiatus, then this is indeed better living through chemistry. Regardless, his music is still as beautiful and frothy as ever.

About this product: this reissue is available on 2CD and 4LP formats.

The 2CD comes in a case-bound sleeve. Includes a 4-page booklet.

The 4LP is pressed on black vinyl, housed in a gatefold sleeve.