Confield
by Autechre
  • Record Label: Warp
  • Release Date: May 15, 2001
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 34 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 34
  3. Negative: 3 out of 34

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  1. Vodkajihad
    Apr 9, 2008
    10
    Incredible. Pen Expers is the culmination of a promise made by electronic music at its inception.
  2. AndrewD.
    Mar 10, 2008
    10
    The absence of music to create illusions of sounds not there is what Confield (note the field i.e. the music and the con which is the deception) tries to and so magnificently succeeds in doing as an album. This is probably one of the greatest albums of all time, definitely listen. 10/10.
  3. CheradenineZ.
    Sep 30, 2002
    10
    In one word, this album sounds Foreign. I have not heard music at all like this anywhere else, not even the rest of Ae's previous stuff (Chiastic Slide being closest)
  4. BenjaminBunny
    Aug 12, 2003
    10
    "Confield"'s massive accompishment takes time to reveal itself, but once it does it makes most other electronic music sound childish--including Autechre's earlier albums. A most challenging, ecstatic, terrifying, thrilling, inditimidating, mind-altering experience...the best electronic record of this new century.
  5. JohnM.
    Jan 22, 2002
    7
    Autechre has always pushed the limits of musical definition on their albums, and even now, with the uncategorizable Confield, Autechre has instead decomposed their sound, instead of elevating it, and it sounds remarkably interesting. The entire thing is minimalist in every sense, creating a serene mood on nearly every track by painting soundscapes through the overlapping of the most Autechre has always pushed the limits of musical definition on their albums, and even now, with the uncategorizable Confield, Autechre has instead decomposed their sound, instead of elevating it, and it sounds remarkably interesting. The entire thing is minimalist in every sense, creating a serene mood on nearly every track by painting soundscapes through the overlapping of the most solemn and quiet melodies in history. Yet although Confield remains interesting in an artistic sense, it certainly does not yield multiple listens. It's sound is often tiring and sometimes disturbing after the second listen and the mood, although fascinating when observed like a foreign substance under a microscope, is not as interesting as the electro-funk days of Tri-Repetae++, one of the greatest electronic albums in music history. So, Confield, although quite an artistic achievement on the basis that - Autechre can always come up with something new - is almost too mellow and quiet to fill the desperate need for another action-packed Autechre album.… Expand
  6. istvan
    Sep 27, 2003
    10
    No-Fear-Music. As such, a very efficient (though not instant) treatment for inner fears. Leaves no room for complacency, but pays back the listener's effort in unexpected ways. Vital.
  7. TobiM
    Nov 24, 2002
    10
    The best Album yet, its full scale will only be recognized in 10 years. Fantastic
  8. NickP
    Jul 29, 2003
    9
    One of Autechre's and modern music's most ambitious and foward looking album. This stuff is ahead of it's time, alright. Just you wait.
  9. DemonicAngel
    Sep 24, 2004
    9
    Labeling Confield as a mere dance album would be an injustice. It's more accurately described as an extended and sometimes rather unsettling study in sonic texture, rhythm and ambience that happens to have been produced on electronic devices. It's so far removed from most other music that it's scary. The only reason it doesn't get a 10 is the overly messy final track. Labeling Confield as a mere dance album would be an injustice. It's more accurately described as an extended and sometimes rather unsettling study in sonic texture, rhythm and ambience that happens to have been produced on electronic devices. It's so far removed from most other music that it's scary. The only reason it doesn't get a 10 is the overly messy final track. Otherwise, an innovative, compelling, and frequently confounding album - and one which, in a society obsessed with instant gratification, will never really get the attention it deserves. … Expand
  10. jatv1994
    Jan 28, 2013
    10
    I listened to this while i was having a vacation in Manzanillo, Mexico. It was 2:00 a.m...one of the most beautiful moments of my life, inspiring, complex, I was astonished, hypnotized. Confield is one of the best albums in the history of humankind. No exaggeration.
  11. Geologist
    May 4, 2013
    9
    The IDM duo's breakthrough release is absolutely hooking, with layers of ambiance and carefully detailed beats, Autechre is able to create a sonic landscape of electronica that will remain the baron of their discography for years to come.
  12. auturo
    Mar 24, 2014
    10
    It's hard to describe this album and give a review. All I can say is that it gets better with time and you never fully appreciate this album at his best because each listen there is something new. Though, I would say this has to be the most elitist music in the world, meaning that only a few could listen and enjoy it.

Awards & Rankings

36
#36 Best Album of 2001
63
#63 Most Discussed Album of 2001
64
#64 Most Shared Album of 2001

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Alternative Press
    80
    Confield not only documents the future of IDM; it also cements Autechre's name in the pantheon of sonic visionaries. [Jul 2001, p.63]
  2. Urb
    70
    Autechre are mulching electronic music, letting their code sweat and rot in the heat. In doing so, they set off a complex ecological process that is interesting to watch, if not always pretty to listen to. [#84, p.105]
  3. Blender
    60
    They've all but abandoned 4/4 grooves, discarded bass as an inefficient distraction and fractured their beats into splintery beatlets that detonate in flurries. [Jun/Jul 2001, p.105]
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