Acoustica

Incredibly well-executed renditions of Aphex Twin's cerebral IDM. The percussionists in particular have their work cut out for them with the signature hyperactive drum breaks that have made Richard D. James an electronica icon. Many of the arrangements come from Twin's 2001 full-length, Drukqs. There's a healthy assortment of both ambience and action - some tracks, like the beautiful "4," manage to balance both. "Acoustica" is the crossover album that put Alarm Will Sound on the radar; "Van Gogh" and "A/Rhythmia" establish the group's talent and legitimacy across multiple genres of music. I'm dying to hear what they do next.

So many interesting things happening melodically and harmonically, end up being music that stimulates the mind and pleases the senses. An organic and warm Aphex Twin is a discovery that merits many visits. I´ll digress to confess my fascination with Alarms Will Sound glorious interpretation of Josquin Desprez Agnus Dei II from the Missa L´Homme Armée: a passionate sonic jewel and a must for discerning music lovers.