AFX HANGABLE AUTO BULB ALBUM WARP, BORDER RELEASE: OCTOBER 31, 2005 REVIEW: NOVEMBER 10, 2005

It’s incredible to just remember what life was like ten years ago: The fashions, the programmes on TV, the music – but it is even more incredible to think this EP collection was fashioned back then, such is the astonishing use of rhythm, noise and general effects. Such was the impact of this EP at the time that it spawned its own categorisation – drill'n’bass – and even inspired its own scene, very much still in existence now.

Through the course of the eight tracks, only one could be considered something other than innovative – ”Bit” – and that’s because its less than ten seconds long! The rest of the tracks here arguably show Richard D. James at his most creative.

Some highlights – ”Hangable Auto Bulb” is very acidic, with an incredible array of chopped-up and broken down beats, all held together by a luscious lead melody. "Wabby Legs” literally sounds like nothing around; very alien melodies, incredible drum breaks – an incredible track! The best for me though is the final track ”Arched Maid Via RDJ”, which is an amazing sample led track, quite similar in style to the first ”Children Talking”, in its use of samples and beats, and just nudges it for the incredible way the complexity of the track still creates something that feels, on the one hand, very human and warm, and on the other, like nothing you have ever imagined music could sound like.

In my opinion, Aphex Twin (James) hasn’t surpassed this collection even himself. A classic set in the truest sense of the word.

MIKE WHYTE