Aphex Twin recently announced he would be reissuing his 1994 album Selected Ambient Works Volume II on vinyl, due out March 6 on 1972 records, as reported by Consequence of Sound. The album has been described by Richard D. James himself as “like standing inside power station on acid”, but there is no telling if the album is being remastered, or if any bonus tracks will be added.
Volume II differs greatly from James’ previous album, relying on minimal percussion and dreamy synths to create textured, ambient soundscapes, and drawing upon the influences of ambient electronic artists like Brian Eno, Erik Satie, Steve Reich, Terry Riley and The Orb. The album was inspired by lucid dreams, according to James, who claims to have natural synesthesia.
Despite it’s deviance from the standard drum-laden production fans of Aphex Twins’ unique style, the album has been celebrated for nearly two decades by fans for evoking a wide range of emotions, sometimes during the same song. Many of the tracks, all of which are officially untitled except “Blue Calx”, have been used or sampled in video games, popular television shows and movies.
Pre-order a copy of Selected Ambient Works Volume II here.
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