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AFX, "Chosen Lords"
Last year Richard James released eleven EPs over the course of a few months. The Analordseries was gimmicky marketing at its best. It looked like James wasspreading himself too thin, quantity over quality. This CD is acompilation of what James sees as the best cuts from the series. It’snot that inspiring and marks a step backwards for James.Rephlex
If he had released these tracks ten years ago, it would have mademore sense. Although even then it would be overshadowed by the Analogue Bubblebath or Hangable Auto Bulb releases which still sound more progressive than the Analord tracks. When these EPs were released first I only bought one of them (Analord 02 which is not represented at all on this compilation) and decided that it wasn’t worth keeping up with the series. Listening to Chosen Lords I hear that I wasn’t mistaken in my decision. As far as AFX releases go, this is uninteresting.
The music isn’t bad, it’s still listenable but it’s disappointing asJames has had a golden touch. A couple of tracks stand out as being good;“Crying in your Face” starts off with a simple but effective synth bassline with an equally simple beat following it as wobbly noises andgorgeous melodies spin around them. “Cilonen” is also worth payingattention to, there’s some nice sequencing with the drums and rhythms.Even at their best, the tracks on Chosen Lords pale incomparison to the rest of the Aphex output. It sounds like he'simitating himself. At their worst, such as “Klopjob” or “Fenix Funk 5,”it is like someone less talented trying to imitate AFX. I don’t knowwhich is more depressing.
I hope this is an aberration in the AFX/Aphex Twin story. I have always loved James’ music but I find this Analord period to be frustrating. With any luck, Chosen Lordswill close off this chapter and in a couple of years there will be anew album worthy of the AFX name. Unfortunately I am going to be waryin future and will most likely avoid the inevitable reissue of all the Analord tracks in a CD box set.
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