Aphex Twin - Peel Session 2 (EP)

I admit that it is a bit difficult to review an artist who’s work is essentially the reason why I am a fan of the said genre. However, with a discography as expansive and varied as experimental techno juggernaut that is Aphex Twin, there is certainly a mixed bag to sort through with hidden gems and cuts that aren’t exactly for me.

Today I’m looking at the session titled “Peel Session 2” recorded in October 1995 for the Jon Peel show, but released on vinyl and more or less to the general public in 2019. I was gifted this vinyl by my fiancée as a Christmas present along-side my current turntable setup. I must admit I have played this vinyl on more than a few occasions, whether it be due to limited collection, or because I had not picked up other Apex twin releases yet.

With this being a rather short release, there is no harm discussing each track for what it is in solidarity. Whatever, lets get into the 4-track review of “Peel Sessions 2”.

Peel Session 2 begins with Side A1; “Slo Bird Whistle”, and I'll be damned if Richard (Aphex Twin) doesn’t call a spade a spade. The track starts immediately with a sample of…well a bird whistle. And that whistle makes its self very known from time to time within the duration of the song. This is a more calm and slower jam that can be summarized by its thick and heavy bass line that easily proves to be the backbone of the song. With its minimal song structure, and lack of variance within itself, it is very easy to get lost within its simple melodies and almost ill or unwell synth line that buzzes throughout the track. While this is a more simple and relaxing song, the complexity of more famous Aphex Twin songs can be found nestled in the rhythms and melodies.

The next track on side A is “Radiator (Original Mix)” which is a reworked version of Radiator (simply titled #2 on Spotify) from Aphex Twins “Selected Ambient Works Vol.2”. Right off the bat this version of the song has more life, and a far more dance or club orientated vibe whereas the first version has a far more ambient style. A thick bass line is introduced quickly in this song that builds upon itself and I must admit that I found myself powerless to move along with the beat. Coming off the heals of Slo Bird Whistle, this song clearly has a more sinister presence than the former track including a constant synth similar to a weather siren that refuses to resist. Funny enough, while listening to this song I began to imagine the inner workings of a radiator due to the cold and mechanical composition of clicks found within the song. That being said, I much more prefer this version over the album release.

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With side A complete we move onward to side B with the track “p-String”. This track begins instantly with a synth similar to a haunted house organ or perhaps a funeral, which fits in line stylistically with the previous track. My first initial reaction to hearing this song is that it could be playing in a 90’s goth movie with a nightclub scene similar to The Crow, where the city’s underbelly is constantly raining and all the freaks are out doing drugs while dripping with sweat. The backbone of this song is a strong deep hardcore-style bass line, that quite frankly is uncompromising and pummeling. Aphex twin does flashing laser like notes that do the baseline great justice in giving a much needed melody. While this song is the longest of the tracks to be found on this short EP (7+ minutes), I feel as though it serves great purpose in being a hard hitting club banger that entrances the listener. There’s no odd time signatures nor frantic samples, but something that I could see actually being performed live, which in all reality is what’s happening. Overall, very solid albeit simple track that is easy to have on in the background or experience live.

From here we have the final track and admittedly my least favorite, “Pancake lizard”. This song is very slow, with the main instrument being what I believe to be a cello that drags the song a long. While making notes on the song I wrote that this song could be used in some form of media, whether it be in a movie, or commercial. This is due to how approachable and lights-hearted it comes across. It could be used in some scene that would need to reflect introspection or self actualization, however it’s just not what I’m looking for while listening to this specific artist. Not to say I do not enjoy more ambient Aphex twin songs, this one just seems a bit plain and pedestrian. To me, this song just kind of comes and goes without leaving much of an impact.

Overall, for me this is a fairly interesting release coming from Aphex Twin. Both the opening and closing tracks are uplifting and easy going songs that resist the mathematical urge found in much of Aphex Twin’s catalog. While the two inner workings are dark and uncompromising that seem to split the album into releases that should have changed track listing in my opinion. The releases on this session are fairly diverse overall without getting too technical, varying from calming to full hardcore bass techno concert.

My thoughts are that if you’ve never heard Aphex Twin’s work before, “Peel Session 2” would not be a bad place to start. My main gripe with the album is that it can get a bit dull and less flashy in comparison to other Aphex Twin works. It wouldn’t exactly be my first recommendation to fully understand the artist, however its a nice toe-dip into the odd world of techno that the artist has created.

Spun on 12" Black Vinyl - 2019 Warp RecordsLimited Favorite Song(s): Slo Bird Whistle, p-String

Overall 65/100