Drukqs (studio album) by Aphex Twin

From Boltzmann 11/30/2023 16:29

The most exilharating drill 'n' bass works he has ever made, interchanged by these childlike (not childish) organ pieces and confusing ambient tracks, this is just the perfect listening experience. Of course it has the necessary Aphex Twin shenanigans: Welsh titles (I think) as well as gibberish (sorry Welsh people, I cannot distinguish them), tracks that consist of one weird sound, his family wishing him happy birthday (where the only edit is that his mom's laugh is looped back I think).

From Strangel 10/20/2023 00:23

This is a near masterpiece that is the epitome of a ‘grower’. At first it was too abrasive for me, especially comparing it with my great love of SAW 1 and its blissful beats.

Vordhosbn could well be my current favourite track from any artist. There’s so much to devour in its intricacy. Mt Saint Michel is not far behind it. Some of the other tracks I am still in the process of fully appreciating. As an example, Gwely Mernans felt like a filler for so long until just recently when I gave it my undivided attention on headphones and suddenly just ‘got’ the subtlety of the muted beat holding the track together and really became quite besotted by the haunting quality that hits you deep in your psyche.

It’s very easy to have just a glancing listen to this album even when you think you’ve paid attention. You need to give it time which can be a very long time if you’re not always in the mood for having your brain re-wired when listening to music.

The only thing holding it back from being a higher rating as a complete album is the inconsistency between tracks and the length which makes it nigh on impossible to give it its due attention for a full listen from start to finish in one sitting.

From teague 08/12/2021 18:27

Personally, I think this is the best Aphex Twin album. The length of drukQs is actually a positive, it gives time for each track to breathe. There's also opportunity for diversity, in which department he does not fail to deliver. You get the peaceful, classical side of Aphex Twin, and then you also get the unstable, driven side.

From DriftingOrpheus 03/31/2020 09:01

Not his tightest release to date, but the heights are so high that you have to applaud him for being this ambitious.

From ExTeaSea 04/10/2019 23:48

Very personal and experimental triumph. My favorite Aphex Twin album and one of my very favorite albums ever. Contains two of his most beautiful pieces.

From Brad1770 12/17/2017 09:00

Not in my wheel house, highly rated though

From souplipton 01/03/2017 02:17

If Drukqs was trimmed down a bit, it would be up there with his best works, but it's weighed down a bit by filler.

I don't think I'll ever listen to the complete album again. But still, is one of the most interesting albums I've ever listen to.

Tu prends contrôle de la boîte à rythme.

So beautiful