THE APHEX TWIN - ANALOGUE BUBBLEBATH @ 40

 

 

In September of 1991, the world of techno music would welcome the debut release from The Aphex Twin as the Analogue Bubblebath EP hit the shelves for the first time.

Richard D. James wasn’t initially interested in releasing his music. He was content to hand out cassettes to friends and play his tracks occasionally during his DJ sets, but the idea of putting out records didn’t hold any real interest for him. It wasn’t until James was tripping on LSD during a rave at the Academy in Plymouth that he was cornered backstage by Mighty Force record shop owner, Mark Darby, and Rich’s friend, Tom Middleton, that he was browbeaten into submission as they dangled money and contracts in front of him until he relented to have his music become the debut release on Darby’s newly minted indie label. Middleton had been playing Darby cassettes at his record shop and the two were amazed that James wasn’t bothered about putting anything out officially, so they set up this ambush to convince him to change his mind and it finally worked. If not for this acid trip, the world may never have heard of Aphex Twin!

It didn’t take long for the EP to take on cult status as the initial pressing of 1000 while label copies sold out within a week and demanded immediate subsequent re-pressings. Critical response was also instantly positive as people recognized an entirely new breed of UK techno had been birthed by the record. James had put a distinct personal stamp on the world of electronica, one that would soon catapult him to legendary status within the span of a few short years. The release of Selected Ambient Works 85-92 a year later would quickly consolidate his status as the premier producer of the most original and advanced form of techno in the country, or the world, for that matter. The music on this EP was so far ahead of the curve that it still sounds fresh and current some 40 years after its release.

The impact of James’ music is incalculable at this point. So many people have been influenced by him and so many of his releases have achieved iconic status over the years. He’s still able to stir up excitement and controversy with his releases as he’s continued to carve his own path through the record industry. He’s remained enigmatic and aloof from the business while securing his stature for the foreseeable future. It all started with this one most exceptional collection of four tracks. Music that set new boundaries and then broke them just as quickly.