Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments, Pt. 2 [EP]
by Aphex Twin
  • Record Label: Warp
  • Release Date: Jan 23, 2015
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. Pitchfork
    Feb 5, 2015
    83
    It’s an Aphex Twin EP more than just an EP, and as those go it’s very good.
  2. NOW Magazine
    Feb 12, 2015
    80
    While acoustically generated and devoid of any heavy electronic processing, the results are much darker and stranger than anything on Syro, with ominous detuned metallic percussion and mangled piano noises taking the place of bright, bubbling, acid synth lines.
  3. Drowned In Sound
    Feb 5, 2015
    80
    This EP is a welcome reminder of James’s ability to utilise decidedly avant-garde ideas in a manner that, although acutely alien to our idea of musical normality, is nevertheless engaging and inspiring.
  5. The Line of Best Fit
    Feb 6, 2015
    75
    Richard D James still manages to be one of electronic music’s most captivating producers, and even if this does not have quite the same effect on the listener as much of his other work, it still feels far more engaging and accomplished than a simple genre exercise.
  6. Rolling Stone
    Feb 12, 2015
    70
    This surprise EP--along with hours of other music that he appears to be posting to Soundcloud lately--suggests that there's plenty more left on his fabled hard drive.
  7. Spin
    Feb 5, 2015
    70
    This EP is spacious above the obvious clutter, and its grooves more resemble that of a funk garage band, thus there's more to be filled in. The cacaphony of those detuned, clanging metallophones is a compelling listen or three.
  8. Clash Music
    Feb 5, 2015
    70
    After such a long break between official studio albums from the annointed one, it's nice to see that he's still shaking things up--not just giving us what we want.
  9. Resident Advisor
    Feb 5, 2015
    66
    James spends most of the EP in that exploratory mode, and though there's a certain pleasure in listening to an artist figure things out, a full 28 minutes feels like overkill. Regardless, it's comforting to know James isn't settling into a routine.
  10. PopMatters
    Mar 19, 2015
    60
    It will go down as an odd little duck because James understand that sometimes you need to baffle your audience while engaging them.
  11. The Wire
    Mar 11, 2015
    60
    The moody bits are surrounded by so much that is abstract that their affective properties seem a matter of happenstance rather than expression. [Mar 2015, p.46]
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  12. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Feb 26, 2015
    60
    Some tracks are stunning, others pass by unnoticed. The fact that we have them is beautiful enough. The chaos swallows you up.
  13. The 405
    Feb 11, 2015
    60
    It's disappointing in some ways that quite a chunk of the record feels like offcuts; of precisely what, we can only wonder.
  14. Exclaim
    Feb 5, 2015
    60
    While mere scribblings from a musical genius can often still trump the best efforts of many, this is not the case here.
  15. New Musical Express (NME)
    Feb 5, 2015
    60
    Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments Pt 2--don’t go looking for a part one, you won’t find it--sounds like it’s on its own strange course.
  16. Fact Magazine (UK)
    Feb 5, 2015
    40
    James never really follows it through.
  17. The Guardian
    Feb 5, 2015
    40
    It’s pretty damning when one of the most arresting tracks on your EP is a 17-second snare drum solo.
  18. AllMusic
    Feb 5, 2015
    40
    The EP should be approached like a sequel -- with low expectations. Had this arid content preceded Syro, a fair portion of James' fan base would have likely written him off.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 24 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 24
  3. Negative: 1 out of 24
  1. CiphirSol
    Feb 10, 2015
    8
    The after-dinner mint for Syro, after a wonderful night on the town, you arrive home tired, just ready to go to bed for the evening. ThisThe after-dinner mint for Syro, after a wonderful night on the town, you arrive home tired, just ready to go to bed for the evening. This album delivers that final punctuation mark, and the promise that Aphex has returned and you're not just dreaming.… Full Review »
  2. Hackskeptic
    May 29, 2015
    4
    Meant as a companion piece to 2001s “Drukqs” it’s the sound of Richard D James clearing the cache from his computer. Disjointed, half finishedMeant as a companion piece to 2001s “Drukqs” it’s the sound of Richard D James clearing the cache from his computer. Disjointed, half finished and lacking any cohesion whatsoever, one really feels that the man is spending far, far too long locked in his bedroom.… Full Review »
  3. FraarfS
    Apr 19, 2015
    5
    aside from the catchy (and actually good) tracks from this project, we have these other pieces of "music" that add nothing but lenght to theaside from the catchy (and actually good) tracks from this project, we have these other pieces of "music" that add nothing but lenght to the album.
    in my opinion this ep would have been just the diskhat tracks on their own and we might be talking about a shorter, but yet enjoyable ep.    … Full Review »
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