Aphex Twin – MARCHROMT30a Edit 2b 96

The companion to Richard's 2014 album "Syro", with the title track having been a bonus in the Japanese CD version of that album. I think for longtime fans, the minimalistic, simple cover seems familiar. Richard has a history of releasing music with barebones presentations, especially during his Rephlex days. While this approach might stem from practical reasons, like keeping the cost low for fans, such simplicity can also come across as uninspired, making the project feel as though Richard himself lacked enthusiasm. If he didn't care, why should we?

Musically however, this release boasts a much stronger sense of character. The title track could easily rank among my favorites from Syro had it been included there. "XMAS_EVET1 N" is also a highlight, being an alternative version of another Syro track and while not quite matching the original, it’s different enough in just the right ways to make it feel unique. However, the "fast" version of the title track feels redundant. Richard often designs his music to be enjoyed at different speeds, and in the past, he’s utilized the vinyl format well to allow for this flexibility, as seen with releases like "Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments Pt2" and "Orphaned Deejay Selek 2006-08". Including two separate versions here instead of a single flexible track feels like a missed opportunity. And if the issue is that he wanted to pad out the release with more than two tracks, my question is why not include the other Syro outtakes like the excellent "end E2" or other cut Syro tracks from Syrobonkers! and the Mt. Fuji tape? Including these would have made the release a more comprehensive representation of the cut material from Syro, which I think this project was designed to be.

So while the lacking visual presentation and lost potential of its tracklisting leave something to be desired, the music itself remains strong. The pressing quality also seems good to me. Nothing groundbreaking but I can't notice any of the issues mentioned in other reviews. I would recommend this release if you liked Syro.

I'm also having noise on the inner grooves (both sides) and kind of a weird mix(?) with my copy. At times it almost sounds like the drums are mixed hot to the point of clipping, which is a problem I have not encountered before.

Not a dealbreaker by any means, but a bit disappointing as I love the track.

this single is really nice on wax. i personally love the different XMAS_EVE track with the CCAI drums. the fast mix is alright, but i like the normal mix better. also no surface noise!

the mastering on this ep is incredible. beau at 1087 is a genius. love these alternate version releases. i recommend this one if you come across it. today it was at the record shop for $14 sealed [along w/afxHAB cd]; major score imo. really cool collection of richard's b-sides of this era. ten times nicer sounding on vinyl. very chill braindance. nicely pressed gem.

people here are wondering why some are complaining about the pressing quality even if their own copies have no problems. maybe that is because some copies have problems and others don't? my copy has a swooshing background noise on the right channel.

It's cool to hear the computer controlled acoustic drums on the Xmas Eve remix. The title track has a bit of that midiverb sound that he was exploring on the Field Day record. An essential addition to the Syro album.

the title track is dope, has an amazing haunting hook, flashy sound design, and great development throughout. The B side sounds like a bunch of leftovers tho.

Nothing wrong with the pressing quality. Brilliant as usual. Sounds great

Essential companion to Syro in my opinion, otherwise this album isn't fully complete.

so TIL aphex twin records at sample rate of 96k.