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Aphex Twin’s EP, “Blackbox Life Recorder 21f / In a Room7 F760”, released on July 28, 2023, marks a significant return for Richard D. James after a five-year hiatus since the “Collapse EP.” This four-track collection delves into intricate electronic landscapes, showcasing James’s continued evolution in sound design and composition.
Track Analysis
1. “Blackbox Life Recorder 21f”: Opening the EP, this track features analog-sounding drum machines and gentle synth work, creating a somber ambiance.
2. “zin2 test5”: This track presents a skittish rhythm with a persistent 140 bpm breakbeat, hand-crafted rather than sampled, reminiscent of early 90s electronic percussion.
3. “In a Room7 F760”: Starting with melancholy chiming synth leads, this track evolves into a complex arrangement with weird stereo panning and flayed hi-hats, maintaining a miasmatic synth atmosphere.
4. “Blackbox Life Recorder 22 [Parallax Mix]”: This alternate mix pushes the bass further out, creating a gothic and sophisticated atmosphere that is both heavy and tantalizing.
Critical Reception
The EP has garnered generally favorable reviews. Pitchfork highlighted the “inscrutable mood” shared across the tracks, noting the “woozy and watery” synths and intricate percussion. The Quietus praised the EP as “gothic and sophisticated; weird, heavy and tantalizing,” emphasizing the depth and complexity within its relatively short runtime. Igloo Magazine observed that while the EP reflects James’s early 90s influences, it demonstrates a refinement and extension of that legacy, offering familiar yet freshly unsettling soundscapes.
Conclusion
“Blackbox Life Recorder 21f / In a Room7 F760” stands as a testament to Aphex Twin’s enduring ability to craft immersive and emotionally resonant electronic music. The EP balances nostalgia with innovation, providing listeners with a concise yet profound auditory experience that continues to push the boundaries of the genre.
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Aphex Twin’s EP “Blackbox Life Recorder 21f / In a Room7 F760” comprises the following tracks:
1. Blackbox Life Recorder 21f – 4:26
2. zin2 test5 – 2:39
3. In a Room7 F760 – 3:53
4. Blackbox Life Recorder 22 [Parallax Mix] – 3:32
This EP, released on July 28, 2023, marks Aphex Twin’s return after a five-year hiatus since the “Collapse EP” in 2018. The tracks showcase his signature electronic style, blending intricate rhythms with atmospheric soundscapes.
