APHEX TWIN DRUKQS DOUBLE ALBUM WARP RELEASE: OCTOBER 22, 2001 REVIEW: OCTOBER 30, 2001

It has been five years since the last full-length release from Richard D James. Some of you have probably heard the self-created myth about Richard losing all copies of his previously created music on an aeroplane. Then he released "Drukqs", to at least earn some money from his songs that would soon probably be out on the net anyway.
I'm sure if Richard D James really would have wanted to, he could have narrowed down the selection on "Drukqs" from two discs and thirty songs, to one disc and fifteen. Be as it may with the facts, fictions and speculations stated above: I'm also very sure that Richard D James is a fucking genius and if he wants to release thirty odd songs, he should be allowed to do so, without stories and speculations.
Not that every tune on "Drukqs" solidly stands its ground and defends its place. No. "Drukqs" contains both hits and misses, and if you are looking for a new "Come to Daddy" or "Widowlicker" you have come to the exactly wrong place. "Drukqs" contains samples from almost the complete Richard D James and Aphex Twin catalogue. Ambient, almost Satiesque piano-tunes and heavy, fast paced potential dance hits can be found. The sheer broadness of the "Drukqs" project is overwhelming and promises hours of fun and challenging listening. It also suggests that this was something Richard D James had to get out of his system. And with "Drukqs" behind him, who knows what new wonders he might be free to create.
Ultimately though, "Drukqs" is almost too broad and demands too much from its listener. The downside of "Drukqs" is that it must be devoured and savoured in frustratingly small pieces. But be assured: the " Drukqs" do work, in small doses.

KALLE MALMSTEDT

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