Bleep

Released between Selected Ambient Works 85-92 and Selected Ambient Works Volume II, Aphex Twin’s On EP marks his definite shift towards ambient techno – combining abrasive beats with lush synth work. Warp accompanied the release with a high profile remix EP, engaging Planet Mu heavyweight Mike Paradinas (operating under his Mu-ziq moniker) and their own Mark Pritchard (as Reload). Opening with what is actually a remix of the EP’s track ‘D-Scape’, Aphex Twin sets the tone with clattering xylophone and percussion sounds. Reload deemphasises the bold presence of the original’s beat, softening its surfaces. Mu-ziq takes a similarly immersive route, playing with song structure dynamics: his version evolves from a free-floating ambience piece into an energetic beat chorus.