Syro
by Aphex Twin
  • Record Label: Warp
  • Release Date: Sep 23, 2014
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 205 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 169 out of 205
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 205
  3. Negative: 13 out of 205
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  1. Jrc523
    Sep 23, 2014
    10
    Lets be honest Drukqs was a bit alienating though it did a good job convincing me he was a total musical genius. This is at least 5 times better than I was expecting. Ive listened to about 4 of his albums this was probably my favorite! It just has everything: Peace, madness, Fun, Energy you name it! Richard D. James may be my favorite album but trust me this compares! ALBUM OF THE YEAR
  2. eminem5055
    Sep 23, 2014
    10
    This album already sounds better than any electronic music that I can recall from memory. It is perfect in every way and shows the world that Aphex Twin really is an innovator of his genre. Speaking bluntly, this album is flawless. I am now very hopeful of whatever he releases next.
  3. cidneebarrett
    Oct 7, 2014
    10
    Good albums sound good on first listen. So do truly great ones.. but while a decent album fades into boredom or over familiarity, the great ones get better with each listen..new details become apparent, melodies that had before passed by unnoticed become orgasmic.... the only other album I remember growing on me like this is In Rainbows...Honestly, I was underwhelmed upon first listen ingGood albums sound good on first listen. So do truly great ones.. but while a decent album fades into boredom or over familiarity, the great ones get better with each listen..new details become apparent, melodies that had before passed by unnoticed become orgasmic.... the only other album I remember growing on me like this is In Rainbows...Honestly, I was underwhelmed upon first listen ing to syro...a few weeks later and it is in my all time top 10... Enjoy the ear candy for a couple spins, and let syro grow...it is a beautiful work..trippy, funky beautiful and unique..Thank you mr. James, for sharing your music with me.… Expand
  4. peterpt
    Oct 24, 2014
    10
    Syro is definitely the work of a Genius. Very intriguing beats and melodies integrated with a masterful use of harmony. The originality of his work is noticeable even to the non-trained ear.
  5. GucciPiggy
    Sep 26, 2014
    10
    Music is my everything. I first decided to check out Aphex Twin due to Radiohead being so into his music. The new album is definitely a joy and a breath of fresh air in a scene full of stale copycats. I love innovative music and quality electronic music.
  6. Shmowzow
    Sep 23, 2014
    10
    Music is pretty much my life. I can't go a day without listening to music. I'm just so tired of crappy mainstream EDM songs, so listening to this album is not only a breath of fresh air, but also a great comeback. It's not as noisy as some of his older stuff, but it's probably my favorite Aphex Twin album. The disharmonies... sometimes it sounds like you're listening to several songs atMusic is pretty much my life. I can't go a day without listening to music. I'm just so tired of crappy mainstream EDM songs, so listening to this album is not only a breath of fresh air, but also a great comeback. It's not as noisy as some of his older stuff, but it's probably my favorite Aphex Twin album. The disharmonies... sometimes it sounds like you're listening to several songs at once. Now, that might sound messy, but it actually works. It's extremely exciting and reminds me that electronic music still has potential in places I thought were dead.… Expand
  7. nick5745
    Sep 23, 2014
    10
    A great return for the most important figure in the history of electronic music. It took me a few listens to absorb, but now I really enjoy it. There's nothing else out there that sounds like it.
  8. Cathalfergus
    Sep 24, 2014
    10
    Great return as "Aphex Twin", the industry won't know wtf this is but the reviews speak for themselves, thank **** for warp records :)
    Nothing so new here but every song constantly keeps you engaged and is enjoyable and danceable, aswel as of course being a mind****, it's like the track all falls apart then bits smash and collide together creating awesome, organised chaos!
  9. mynoseknows
    Sep 23, 2014
    9
    The new Aphex Twin had an impact similar to Kid A on the indiescene on me. First, i doubted if this was the comeback i was dreaming of. But than, at the second listen already, the record came in like a thunderbolt. To me, it's clear that this album isn't as experimental as his previous ones, but that isn't a bad thing to me. I feel like AT did his thing on this album, but better. TogetherThe new Aphex Twin had an impact similar to Kid A on the indiescene on me. First, i doubted if this was the comeback i was dreaming of. But than, at the second listen already, the record came in like a thunderbolt. To me, it's clear that this album isn't as experimental as his previous ones, but that isn't a bad thing to me. I feel like AT did his thing on this album, but better. Together with Caribou, definitely my most celebrated electronic album of 2014. The soundscapes on this masterpiece are from another dimension. Influences from soul, drum 'n bass, early house and in minority some other genres, all blend in for a mixture of the best electronic artwork and non-club electronic album of the year, and maybe even of this decade so far.… Expand
  10. wahsmoh
    Sep 25, 2014
    9
    This album is the t*ts I got it in vinyl and 24-bit WAV and I'll tell you it is mindblowing how much this guy can pack into one song. This guy must be an alien there is no other explanation. He goes a little off-course with some really wild beats but he pays homage to who he is and that's a guy who redefines himself every time he releases a new album. I will tell you though this feels likeThis album is the t*ts I got it in vinyl and 24-bit WAV and I'll tell you it is mindblowing how much this guy can pack into one song. This guy must be an alien there is no other explanation. He goes a little off-course with some really wild beats but he pays homage to who he is and that's a guy who redefines himself every time he releases a new album. I will tell you though this feels like his most complete work after his second album Selected Ambient Works 85-92. Anyone who could give this album a bad rating doesn't understand the genius that is coming from these "organic" electronic sounds as best as I could describe it.… Expand
  11. WillImrie
    Sep 26, 2014
    10
    I am absolutely blown away. I knew Richard was a good musician but this was something else. So powerful, so energetic bit at the same time just so beautiful. You need to hear this record, you need to feel this record.. buy it now!
  12. Vagrant
    Sep 23, 2014
    9
    Aphex had a lot of time to play around with his collection of synths and it shows. I agree with The Independent (UK)'s line saying it's "overdosing somewhat on staccato, bouncing synth twangs and jittery drum’n’bass beats." But this is where the magic happens. In those seemingly random song phase are some neatly crafted and arranged sounds that make it sound like you're listening to aAphex had a lot of time to play around with his collection of synths and it shows. I agree with The Independent (UK)'s line saying it's "overdosing somewhat on staccato, bouncing synth twangs and jittery drum’n’bass beats." But this is where the magic happens. In those seemingly random song phase are some neatly crafted and arranged sounds that make it sound like you're listening to a song inside a song.… Expand
  13. ekolite82
    Sep 24, 2014
    10
    The master returns. The first couple of listens I was a bit disappointed, but on my fifth listen it completely sunk in. You have here one of the best electronic albums you will hear this decade.
  14. normankant
    Oct 13, 2014
    8
    Syro is a good album. The production is great and it's refined. It lacks of new ideas, since AT made a safe record, with influences from his first records. In Syro he is summarizing all what he had done in the past.
  15. alecvl08
    Jan 4, 2015
    9
    I think this album may top Selected Ambient Works 85-92 as Aphex Twin's greatest album. It is complex, varied, interesting, well-paced, and mesmerizing. Most of the tracks are worth listening to completely. You will always find some new feature each time. I love the use of some vintage-sounding synths that could've come from Daft Punk's Short Circuit. However, my one main issue with thisI think this album may top Selected Ambient Works 85-92 as Aphex Twin's greatest album. It is complex, varied, interesting, well-paced, and mesmerizing. Most of the tracks are worth listening to completely. You will always find some new feature each time. I love the use of some vintage-sounding synths that could've come from Daft Punk's Short Circuit. However, my one main issue with this LP is that it seems to be stuck in limbo between visceral and cerebral. I'm not sure if I'm supposed to emotionally connect with these tracks, or simply be amazed by their complexity. Overall, though, great record. Favorite track: CIRCLONT6A [141.98][syrobonkus mix]… Expand
  16. MusicPro
    Jan 2, 2015
    10
    An amazing electronic/ ambient-techno / IDM by Aphex Twin.

    FAV TRACKS:

    - Minipops 67
    - XMAS_EVET 10
    - Produk 29
    - Cirlont6A
    - Cirlont14
    - Syro u473t8+E
    - S950tx16wasr10
  17. rubenseaton
    Nov 2, 2014
    8
    There is so much going on in Richard David James' head, it's really just an assault on the senses for an hour here - but that's in no way a bad thing. James is in so many ways different to the EDM, IDM and Techno music we've become settled with - it's just absorbing to listen to.
  18. Neilluj
    Mar 11, 2015
    8
    Richard D. James, alias Aphex Twin, aura pris 4748 jours pour sortir son premier projet sous ce pseudonyme depuis l’infâme Drukqs (2001). Celui que plusieurs considèrent comme le père de la musique électronique moderne nous offre sans aucun doute son œuvre la plus accessible. Syro est définitivement son disque le plus abouti, mêlant la complexité et la nostalgie assumée des années 1990.Richard D. James, alias Aphex Twin, aura pris 4748 jours pour sortir son premier projet sous ce pseudonyme depuis l’infâme Drukqs (2001). Celui que plusieurs considèrent comme le père de la musique électronique moderne nous offre sans aucun doute son œuvre la plus accessible. Syro est définitivement son disque le plus abouti, mêlant la complexité et la nostalgie assumée des années 1990.

    Dans la forme, Syro est conçu sur un modèle plus raisonné, calculé. James a opté pour une approche alternative où il respecte une ligne directrice durant ses 12 pièces. Caractérisé par l’absence de déséquilibre musical, Aphex Twin fait soigneusement revivre ses origines électroniques. Syro est authentique au style perfectionné par le compositeur irlandais: une affirmation de la maitrise de son genre.

    Ce qui frappe, initialement, c’est l’axe de l’album orienté vers la découverte du monde particulier de James. L’œuvre merveilleusement mixée se définit par la cohérence de ses lignes de basses, des ses mélodies sophistiquées et par son rythme accéléré. Syro offre un voyage dans le détail, expérience procurée par le génie d’Aphex Twin. L’artiste s’est même permis d’ajouter quelques incompréhensibles partitions vocales, une bricole qu’il n’a que très rarement inclus dans ses productions antérieures. Flirtant avec des sonorités néo-jazz et les atmosphères technos teintées d’influences funk, l’esthétique de l’album repose particulièrement dans le souci de magnanimité et de grandeur. L’album est opaque sans être étouffant. Les initiés s’y retrouveront facilement alors que les nouveaux venus pourront s’y perdre avec plaisir.

    Aphex Twin
    Courtoisie Aphex Twin

    La puissance de Syro réside dans l’originalité de son traitement des sons. Le créateur a utilisé plus de 70 instruments, dont plusieurs d’une autre époque: mélangeurs, synthétiseurs, logiciels, boîtes à rythmes et autres compresseurs. Fait étrange: la liste de tous les outils utilisés ainsi que le coût total de l’album est inscrite à l’intérieur de l’album. Selon Ian Anderson, responsable de la conception visuelle de Syro, la diffusion de cette liste raconte à l’auditeur tout et rien à propos de sa création qui se veut probablement son accomplissement le plus personnel, comme le témoigne la dernière portion (Aisatasana 102) de l’album. Pièce composée uniquement d’une magnifique mélodie au piano avec le chant des oiseaux en arrière-plan, rappelant vaguement sa plus que copiée pièce April 14th. Dans les faits, Syro reste l’œuvre d’un homme mystérieux, œuvrant seul dans un monde qui, désormais, lui appartient. Sans surestimer quoi que ce soit, Aphex Twin nous offre un splendide retour – avec plus à venir.    … Expand
  19. ILoveMusic
    Apr 9, 2015
    10
    An amazing electronic album by Aphex Twin. It's amazzzzingg.. :)

    From beginning to end.. it's awesome! :)

    Try it out if you haven't heard it yet! :)
  20. jaldred
    Jun 25, 2016
    9
    You wont find anything like this anywhere in the entire electronic genre. This guy just paved the way for Skrillex, Deadmau5, Guetta, etc to try and catch up to Richard's ability for the next ten years. There are so many pin-point focused sounds and beat-breaks that he probably spent his entire 13 years of solitude working on Syro. Aphex's best since SAW2? I think so
  21. sratomasfer
    Apr 6, 2017
    7
    A sweet comeback for hex Twin. almost a return to his classic style especially when compared to his amazing last output, Drukqs which had a more acoustic-eqsue quality. Sort of lags at points but still an amazing record from a legendary musician.
  22. euanfraser
    Oct 30, 2019
    8
    An album many would just call noise. I would call it awesome noise. No track is a let down. The opening track 'minipops 67', is by far the best track on the album. Next, the albums longest track; 'XMAS_EVET10' is more like a mini mixtape, changing its soundscape rapidly throughout its 10 minute duration. For some reason, it provides some sort of nostalgia back to the days of watching 'IceAn album many would just call noise. I would call it awesome noise. No track is a let down. The opening track 'minipops 67', is by far the best track on the album. Next, the albums longest track; 'XMAS_EVET10' is more like a mini mixtape, changing its soundscape rapidly throughout its 10 minute duration. For some reason, it provides some sort of nostalgia back to the days of watching 'Ice Age' as a kid, not worrying about anything. In fact, (not to the same extent but still prevalent) this nostalgia continues throughout the rest of the album. Syro ultimately acts as the perfect background music whilst being great for personal deep listening.
    The downsides to some of these tracks would lie in how stale they can become after multiple listens. 'PAPAT4' is a prime example. Not so much a downside but something a bit strange is how the concluding track 'aisatsana' does not fit in with the aesthetic of the rest of the album. A beautiful track by itself, but it just doesn't fit in too well with the rest of the album.
    Still, Aphex did very well here. An 8/10 comeback for Richard D. James.    … Expand
  23. Junkiest
    Jun 15, 2021
    9
    I like this album and that's why I give it a 9/10. I'm not very experienced with electronic music, but this is miles better than the **** EDM that's so prevalent on the internet.

Awards & Rankings

16
#16 Best Album of 2014
46
#46 Most Discussed Album of 2014
56
#56 Most Shared Album of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. Under The Radar
    Dec 19, 2014
    60
    While many moments on the new LP are arguably musically as good as much of his back catalogue, it no longer has the same visceral, evolutionary energy of something truly new. [Dec 2014, p.88]
  2. The Wire
    Dec 2, 2014
    80
    Syro feels like a perfected memory of 80s music. [Oct 2014, p.54]
  3. Magnet
    Nov 12, 2014
    75
    Syro is surprisingly listenable without drawing much attention to itself. [No. 115, p.52]
See all critic reviews »