APHEX TWIN - Cheetah

Similar to the Analord EP series, 2016's Cheetah contains some of Richard D. James' most stripped-down techno tracks. Nearly everything here sticks to a steady midtempo, and the tracks generally take their time developing, subtly adding new elements rather than excitedly jumping from one point to another. Other than the CD bonus track (remember those?) "2X202-ST5," all of the tracks feature some permutation of either "CHEETAH" or "CIRKLON" in the title, and while they're basic enough on the surface to be variations on the same themes, there's enough going on to separate the compositions. As with much of James' output since relaunching his release schedule with 2014's full-length Syro, the demo-like track titles and lack of devilish whimsy make the album seem far more clinical than his past works. The most playful thing about the release isn't any of the songs themselves, but rather the video for "CIRKLON3." The clip was directed by 12-year-old Ryan Wyer, and it features a group of children ecstatically dancing while wearing Aphex T-shirts and masks. The way they're dancing could easily fit with one of James' faster drill'n'bass-style tracks, though, so the relative calmness of the music seems a little out of place. By far the EP's highlight is "CIRKLON 1," which features more detailed drum rolls flurrying up from time to time, as well as a nice melody that recalls a more subdued take on '80s Italo-disco or freestyle. "2X202-ST5" features a slowly expanding grimy bassline surrounded by a slightly queasy melody and a basic rhythm of kicks, snares, and claps. The EP is fine, by all means, but it's definitely not the Aphex release to reach for if you're expecting to be challenged or blown away by something utterly unique or exciting. ~ All Music Review