3 out of 5

Label: TVT Records

Producer: Richard D. James

Would I listen to this if it wasn’t related to Aphex Twin?  Probably not.  There’s a sample here that reappears on “Classics,” which is in a similar vein – very housey – but only through having listened to a large chunk of Richard D. James’s stuff did I ever have the desire to listen between the thumps and bumps for those flourishes that make him him – and they are there, for sure.  And it’s to be noted that this isn’t amateur hour.  I mean, James’s ear certainly stretches over years of electronica, and I’m sure he appreciates a good rave-up even today (okay, I’m not sure), so I don’t mean to brush this aside as “old” Aphex stuff.  It has it’s place in his catalogue, although yeah, it does seem to be more toward the beginning of his career with Caustic Window and Universal Indicator and whatnot.

Still, maybe because it’s only a few tracks, but I enjoy this, overall, more than “Classics,” which gets a little repetitive over its run-time.  Although the first Analogue Bubblebath is very beat-based and not as experimental or harsh as AB 3 or 4, you still get a sense of James’s natural talent for song structure, as elements build up and around the thumps and then find a successful way to wind down, as opposed to just cutting out and leaving you cold.  The EP also kindly starts out with a more ethereal, mysterious entry, which sets a nice sort of dark precedent for what’s to come.

Probably more rewarding for Aphex fans, but not devoid of value for people looking for something with a bit of spice to add to their house mixes.