AFX - Chosen Lords

Richard D. James' ability to infuse elctronic tracks with powerful emotional resonances is as un-nerving as ever

Album Review by Bram Gieben | 16 Apr 2006
Album title: Chosen Lords
Artist: AFX
Label: Rephlex

Aphex Twin has collected the best and most obviously dancefloor-oriented tunes from his 'Analord' series into one handy CD volume. In doing so it becomes apparent what genius these EPs contained, alongside their more heavily experimental moments, and serves as a perfect reminder of the old 'Analogue Bubblebath' glory days. There is a predominance of drum and bass, but really Aphex's music defies such genre pigeonholing. It is a shame many of his tunes bomb when played live in a DJ set - surrounded by the formulaic rhythms of most dance music, they sound wilful and obscure, but on 'Chosen Lords' there is an internal structure which makes sense, and James' ability to infuse elctronic tracks with powerful emotional resonances is as un-nerving as ever. Highlights: majestic opener Fenix Funk Five; the superlative, bombastic electro of Crying In Your Face; the frenetic breakbeats of Cilonen and the wonky acid techno of XMD5a. This is utterly compelling, less self-indulgent than 'Drukqs,' and should be a compulsory purchase for anyone who thought Aphex was past his best. Touches the parts other dance music fails to reach. [Bram Gieben]

Released April 10.

http://www.rephlex.com