Come to Daddy

Aphex Twin: Richard D. James.
Richard D. James, who records under the moniker Aphex Twin (among others), is an extremely talented digital composer. So much so that few of his numerous album releases are able to clearly showcase his entire compositional arsenal. Instead, each album focuses on a single musical trait, whether it be dance-floor-oriented pieces, electro-pop, the ambient pulse or the endless sonic pranksterisms (high-frequency screeches and such) that James likes to indulge in. COME TO DADDY, a generous 8-song EP, is the first to roll out his entire bag of tricks for complete consideration.
James's ambient melodies with the new wave touch are the melodic cornerstone of the title track, while the various mixes of the song pour out his absurdist tendencies--the "Little Lord Faultleroy" mix, for instance, degenerates the rhythm into what sounds like a highly distorted game of Pong over the gentle refrain. And the Eno-esque melody of "Flim" has at once a panoramic scope and a distinguished Mo' Wax-ian lounge feel. Featuring a wide assortment of such odds and ends, COME TO DADDY presents a talented artist stretching out in his musical space, still feeling his way on the common ground while displaying his natural instincts.