Syro
by Aphex Twin
Distributed by Warp Records
Weren’t we spoiled enough from all the surprise album returns in 2013? My Bloody Valentine announced their first album in 22 years on Twitter, Daft Punk unleashed an unexpected teaser during Saturday Night Live, and electronic behemoths Boards of Canada announced their album by leaving singles in record stores.
It only made sense that Aphex Twin, the groundbreaking and best known electronic project from Richard D. James, would announce his big comeback album with a blimp flying around England the year after everyone else just to play by his own rules.
Syro, the first proper Aphex Twin album since his 2001 album Drukqs, feels shocking only in how un-shocking it is.
Throughout the ‘90s Aphex Twin became known as a trailblazer in club communities and consistently experimenting with genre bending. Aphex Twin albums featured a mix of fast-paced electronic beats and ambience.
In contrast, Syro doesn’t feel like it is covering any new territories sonically but comfortably returned to where James left us 13 years ago.
The familiarity is one of its strongest attributes. The album benefits from being written in various studios over a 10-year period, giving it a constantly changing sound but still surprisingly cohesive.
Syro does not feel like an album from 2014 or from 2002. Syro feels like it can exist at any point because it ignored modern trends electronic music trends.
On the 10 minute album highlight, “XMAS_EVET10 (Thanaton3 Mix),” Aphex Twin takes the listener on a journey through acid heavy synths and unique techno terrain.There are no dirty bass-drops, there are no hazy cloud rap beats, its a sound only Aphex Twin could craft.
James is also the most mature he’s ever been. He’s no longer the electronic punk from the ‘90s but instead a father and husband which sinks into the music.
Throughout Syro, the voices of James’ family are sampled and distorted. Though the lyrics are inaudible the love seeps through. The maturity shines most on the beautiful closer, “Aisatsana,” a delicate acoustic piano track written for his wife.
Syro succeeds because it deals with the familiar but never preys on nostalgia. It exists as an album exiled from everything that came before and everything that will come after making it the most unique and important electronic album of the year.
