Aphex Twin: Drukqs (2xCD)

Often proclaimed as electronica's one true genius, Richard James, AKA Aphex Twin, returns with a double CD that showcases his cleverness as well as his inevitable inscrutability. Still, amid macabre birthday songs, unsettling screams, and other bizarre touches, Drukqs offers the most technically accomplished and beautiful tracks of Aphex Twin's career.

Every aspect of the Aphex brain is on display here, from stark pieces performed on sampled piano and zither to Squarepusher-styled drum and bass implosions, all informed by that peculiar Aphex treatment of bittersweet melody and unparalleled programming. For an artist once engrossed in homages to his dead twin brother and grotesque videos, Drukqs shows James getting by purely on music alone.

'Mt. Saint Michel Mix' starts as maddening drum and bass, but is soon transfixed by glowing tones, hand drums, and police sirens. 'Vordhosbn' is all acid beats and mad synths matched with fart-bombs and haunted cries. '54 Cymru Beats' sounds more like the tweaked-out, goofball techno of Wagon Christ than Aphex, while 'Taking Control' goes metaphysical with cerebral synth-drums and muddled vocals.

If Drukqs is the result of medication James has been imbibing during his three-year hiatus, then this is indeed better living through chemistry. Regardless, his music is still as beautiful and frothy as ever.

1. Jynweythek
   
2. Vordhosbn
   
3. Kladfvgbung Micshk
   
4. Omgyjya Switch7
   
5. Strotha Tynhe
6. Gwely Mernans
   
7. Bbydhyonchord
   
8. Cock/Ver10
9. Avril 14TH
   
10. Mt Saint Michel + St Michaels Mount
    
11. Gwarek2
12. Orban Eq Trx4
13. Aussois
    
14. Hy A Scullyas Lyf A Dhagrow
    
15. Kesson Dalef
    
16. 54 Cymru Beats
    
17. Btoum-Roumada
    
18. Lornaderek
    
19. Qkthr
20. Meltphace 6
21. Bit 4
    
22. Prep Gwarlek 36
    
23. Father
    
24. Taking Control
25. Petiatil Cx Htdui
    
26. Ruglen Holon
    
27. Afx237 V7
    
28. Ziggomatic 17
    
29. Beskhu3epnm
30. Nanou2