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Collapse [EP]
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Collapse [EP] Image
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 15 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 44 Ratings

  • Summary: The latest release for electronic producer Richard D. James as Aphex Twin is a five-track EP.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Consequence
    Sep 13, 2018
    91
    Collapse is another entry in a remarkable run of work that Aphex Twin has been releasing since his return from a long and clearly necessary hiatus. It may feel like he is on cruise control a bit, but James’ coasting is any other artist’s magnum opus.
  2. Sputnikmusic
    Dec 5, 2018
    90
    This is a damn good record that is worth your time. Sink into Collapse, and let it sweep you up in its collage of vast, intricate atmospheres.
  3. Pitchfork
    Sep 17, 2018
    81
    There have been times in James’ career when his knowing smirk threatened to eclipse the music. But here he’s obviously having a genuine blast, and his joy is infectious.
  4. New Musical Express (NME)
    Sep 13, 2018
    80
    Unlikely to sway anyone not already on board with Richard D. James’ weirdo-funk, Collapse is nevertheless a brilliant, warped addition to a canon like no other.
  5. PopMatters
    Sep 13, 2018
    80
    With Collapse, James produces a surprising work of dark deconstruction, interchanging the Syro sound with a range of dissonant ideas and disfigured rhythmic patterns.
  6. AllMusic
    Sep 13, 2018
    80
    Collapse ends up being one of Aphex's stronger post-2000 releases.
  7. Slant Magazine
    Sep 13, 2018
    70
    For a once-hermetic artist, James's recent output has trended toward greater accessibility, but even by that measure, Collapse's biggest surprise lies in how warm and inviting it all is.

See all 15 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. Mr_Kimita
    Jun 23, 2020
    10
    For neophytes, this EP can serve as a fine introduction to James’ work. Collapse simply has a ton to sift through, all in under a half-hour.For neophytes, this EP can serve as a fine introduction to James’ work. Collapse simply has a ton to sift through, all in under a half-hour. It features many of Aphex Twin decades-old tropes – intricate percussion, haunting melodies, sheer unpredictability – while still having its feet firmly planted in today’s era. Highly recommended.

    best material of richard since Drukqs    … Expand
  2. ChopinCJ
    Nov 8, 2018
    9
    This ep is very good. This is the consensus, and most people agree with it, other than for the one person who gave it a 2. Syro, which was notThis ep is very good. This is the consensus, and most people agree with it, other than for the one person who gave it a 2. Syro, which was not produced in the 2000s, is a completely different style from this release. This one is more aggressive, and if reminiscent of anything, it sounds like a more polished version of the RDJ album (Aphex Twin’s best release in my opinion), which makes sense, considering it was released this year (2018). Aphex Twin isn’t back, he never left.… Expand
  4. Sin909303
    Jul 7, 2019
    9
    I dunno what's up with that 2 scrorin dude but he's wrong.I'm 42 been listening to idm and Aphex for over 20 years....as well as most warp,I dunno what's up with that 2 scrorin dude but he's wrong.I'm 42 been listening to idm and Aphex for over 20 years....as well as most warp, morr music, rephex, monotone artist just to name these labels i mean, i dunno how i could be more of a fan than that? And no, I'm not angry nor insulted.I've never been a bit fan of the super quick stuff like Venitian Snare too ,but i mean Collapse e.p. hides 2 or 3 gems, my favorite being an awesome Afx-like acid break track titled MT1 t29r2.It's Aphex ripping off his Twin.Super nice.… Expand
  5. Ffaj
    Apr 11, 2022
    9
    Отличный EP, Ричард всё ещё доказывает, что он мастер idm и электроники, всё здесь на месте: многослойные музыкальные полотна, узнаваемыйОтличный EP, Ричард всё ещё доказывает, что он мастер idm и электроники, всё здесь на месте: многослойные музыкальные полотна, узнаваемый стиль, T69 замечательный трек как и видео на него, но и весь ЕP завораживает. Молодец, Ричард.… Expand
  6. joshdkaye
    Sep 20, 2018
    7
    I like the textures of sound in each track, but they all sound fairly similar...
  7. maxvonsydow
    Oct 2, 2018
    2
    Not only does 'Collapse' shamelessly rip off (and misunderstand) the younger IDM artists he resents so much in his fast-approaching old age -Not only does 'Collapse' shamelessly rip off (and misunderstand) the younger IDM artists he resents so much in his fast-approaching old age - but it's devoid of any creativity. All of the so-called complexity going on here is faux, half-baked and will leave any true fan feeling bored and even angry. Richard D. James is years past his best. He is desperately trying to cover as many new styles as he can before he retires. Only then, will he fool everyone into believing he influenced everything. I cannot believe what a drop in quality this is from Syro, which was clearly produced back in the mid to late 2000s. The man has lost it.… Collapse

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