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Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2
Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2
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Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2
A grey background featuring white monospace text in the upper-left corner and a black circle slightly off centre to the right. Inside the circle a white logo is visible and "Aphex Twin - - Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2" is written in a block white monospace typeface; to the right of the white text, a barcode is visible as well as other miscellaneous text.
EP by
Released23 January 2015 (2015-01-23)
Genre
Length27:56
LabelWarp
ProducerRichard D James
Aphex Twin chronology
Syro
(2014)
Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2
(2015)
Orphaned Deejay Selek 2006–08
(2015)

Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 is an extended play record by the British electronic music artist and producer Aphex Twin. It was released on 23 January 2015 on Warp. It is meant as a companion piece to his fifth studio album, Drukqs (2001).

It received mixed reviews and placed in several international record charts, including the United States Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums chart, where it peaked at number one.

Background

[edit]

Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt.2 features acoustic sounds such as prepared piano, drums, and wood and metal percussion, controlled electronically.[3] James considers it the successor to his 2001 album Drukqs:

Part 1 is Drukqs, as that was the first thing I released that utilised computer controlled instruments, namely a modified Yamaha Disklavier, 2nd gen and a couple of midi controlled solenoid based drum mechanisms I made just after I got the Disklavier.[4]

The EP extends the ideas of its predecessor, according to Mark Richardson of Pitchfork, who noted that "where James used to offer his electro-acoustic pieces as a showcase for lyrical melodies, about half the music here consists of crisply arranged beats, with loping drum lines that occasionally veer toward funk".[3] Much of the album features breakbeat backing.[1] Exclaim! stated that most tracks "fall under the label of avant-garde jazz — some of it experimental and way out there — while other parts are coherent enough to sneak into the darker corners of Ninja Tune's back catalogue."[2]

Release

[edit]

Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 was announced for release on 9 January 2015 on Warp's official website.[5] The track listing, worldwide release date and a list of available release formats were published on Bleep.com alongside pre-orders of the EP. Released worldwide on 23 January, Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 was made available as a 12-inch record pressed on 140-gram vinyl, a Digipak CD and a digital download in various digital formats, including MP3, WAV and FLAC.[6] An alternative mix of the EP's opening track—"Diskhat ALL Prepared1mixed [snr2mix]"—was made available for stream and MP3 download on Richard D James' official SoundCloud account a day prior.[7]

In Japan, Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 was released on Beat Records and sold 3,627 physical copies in its first week of release.[8][9] The EP was particularly successful on the independent charts in Ireland and the United Kingdom; it peaked at number 8 on both the Irish Independent Albums Chart and the UK Independent Albums Chart,[10][11] as well as entering at number 7 on the UK Official Record Store Albums Chart,[12] where it peaked at number 4 in its third week of release.[13] Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 placed in three separate Billboard charts in the US. It fared well on the Dance/Electronic Albums chart, entering at number 4 in its first week of release and peaking at number 1 the following week;[14] the EP also entered the Tastemakers Albums chart at number 24 and placed at number 10 in its second week.[15]

Reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic64/100[16]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStar[17]
Clash7/10[18]
Drowned in Sound8/10[19]
Exclaim!6/10[2]
FactStarStar[20]
The GuardianStarStar[1]
NME6/10[21]
Pitchfork8.3/10[3]
Resident Advisor3.3/5[22]
Spin7/10[23]

At Metacritic, which assigns a normalised rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 received an average score of 64, based on 17 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[16]

Felicity Martin of Clash called the EP "a difficult but enriching document [that is] compiled of often-jarring, disjointed instruments," noting the "really interesting part of this extended play—it's not about making the robots feel human, but feeling as though you're in the room with them, whirring about around you."[18] In his review for the NME Louis Pattison referred to the EP as "true, manufactured pop music" due to the instrumentation being "played not by human hands, but by signals zipping around circuit boards." He added that "as a challenge—to his audience, and to himself [...] it succeeds admirably.".[21] For Drowned in Sound, Benjamin Bland referred to the EP as "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." Bland also regarded the EP as "highly listenable, no less so than Syro".[19] Pitchfork writer Mark Richardson praised the EP but called it "a release for established fans."[3]

Exclaim! writer Daryl Keating offered a mixed review, describing the EP as "the compositional scribblings of a sleepless man".[2] Resident Advisor's Jordan Rothlein's review described the EP as "a moody set that sounds a bit like either Tom Waits instrumentals, a gamelan ensemble going pop, or maybe just some bits from Syro played back at a fraction of their original speed." Rothelin added that "though there's a certain pleasure in listening to an artist figure things out, a full 28 minutes feels like overkill."[22] Writing for The Guardian, Ben Beaumont-Thomas was highly critical of the EP, saying that "if Syro was an inquisitive artificial intelligence ... then [this EP] is like the organic consciousness it was drawn from, its owner now tinkering with jigsaws in a retirement home."[1] AllMusic was almost entirely negative; reviewer Andy Kellman wrote that "nothing is particularly energizing ... the EP should be approached like a sequel—with low expectations."[17]

Track listing

[edit]

All tracks are written by Richard D James.

Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 track listing
No.TitleLength
1."diskhat ALL prepared1mixed 13"5:22
2."snar2"0:20
3."diskhat1"2:26
4."piano un1 arpej"0:50
5."DISKPREPT4"1:53
6."hat 2b 2012b"1:25
7."disk aud1_12"0:10
8."0035 1-Audio"0:26
9."disk prep calrec2 barn dance [slo]"4:22
10."DISKPREPT1"3:30
11."diskhat2"0:38
12."piano un10 it happened"1:48
13."hat5c 0001 rec-4"4:46
Total length:27:56

The track length above is valid for CD, digital download and vinyl played on 33 rpm.

2017 re-release bonus tracks
No.TitleLength
14."diskhat ALL prepared1mixed [snr2mix]diskhat ALL prepared1bmixed [snr2mix],e,ru,+4"5:22
15."diskhat ALL [snr2mix] [fast],e,+3"4:52
16."DISKLVPRPT1 Equinox barn dance[fast]"2:20
Total length:40:30

Personnel

[edit]

All personnel credits adapted from Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2's album notes.[24]

Performer

Technical personnel

Design personnel

  • The Designers Republic (credited as "MITDR™") – design, cover art
  • Atsushi Sasaki – liner notes (Japanese CD edition only)[25]

Chart positions

[edit]

Release history

[edit]
Release history and formats for Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2
Region Date Format(s) Label Catalogue
Various[5] 23 January 2015 12-inch, CD, digital download Warp WAP375
Japan[8] CD, digital download Beat BRE-50

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 EP is an extended play by British electronic musician Aphex Twin, released on 23 January 2015 through Warp Records. The EP features 13 tracks spanning about 28 minutes, showcasing acoustic sounds generated via computer control of instruments such as prepared pianos, percussion, and a Disklavier player piano. All music on the EP was written, produced, and performed by Richard D. James under his moniker, incorporating his playing of percussion alongside controllers and computers to automate the acoustic elements. The tracks blend crisp rhythms, detuned melodies, and experimental textures reminiscent of James's earlier acoustic explorations on albums like Drukqs (2001), but executed purely through mechanical means without electronic synthesis. Notable pieces include "diskhat ALL prepared1mixed 13" (5:22) and "Disk Prep Calrec2 Barn Dance (S L O)" (4:22), which highlight the prepared piano's altered timbres and loping drum patterns. The release arrived shortly after Aphex Twin's 2014 album , serving as a focused companion emphasizing his interest in automated acoustic performance. It was issued in formats including CD, 12-inch vinyl, and digital download, with artwork designed by . Critics praised the EP for its innovative fusion of technology and traditional instrumentation, earning it designations like Pitchfork's "Best New Music" with an 8.3 rating.

Background and Concept

Development History

The development of Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 began as an extension of Richard D. James's longstanding fascination with automating acoustic instruments, which originated in the early 2000s during the sessions for his 2001 album . James first experimented with computer-controlled pianos using a modified Yamaha Disklavier, recording tracks like "" in a former bank manager's office to capture unique reverberations from the wood-paneled space. These initial tests marked his entry into electro-mechanical music production, blending electronic precision with organic instrumentation. Conceived as a companion piece to , the EP drew from unused material and ongoing experiments in acoustic automation, positioning retrospectively as "part 1" due to its pioneering use of MIDI-controlled devices. James's interest in robotic instruments evolved from these early efforts, incorporating elements like prepared pianos and automated percussion that echoed the textural contrasts of his 2001 work. The 2014 release of Syro, James's first major Aphex Twin album in over a decade, provided momentum to revisit these acoustic control themes, leading to the rapid production and announcement of the EP. On January 9, 2015, James revealed the project via a post on his Twitter account, accompanied by details on Warp Records' website, confirming a January 23 release date for the 13-track EP. This surprise follow-up capitalized on Syro's critical acclaim, allowing James to explore refined iterations of his robotic instrumentation concepts.

Instrumentation and Technology

The production of Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 centers on a modified Yamaha grand , a second-generation MIDI-enabled that permits computer-driven control over key strikes, velocity, and operation for highly precise and repeatable performances. This setup facilitates techniques, where objects are inserted among the strings or on the soundboard to generate dissonant, metallic, and percussive timbres, evoking the experimental aesthetics first explored in James's earlier work on . The 's optical sensors also capture acoustic output for real-time feedback, allowing synchronization with digital sequencing to produce layered, evolving textures. Complementing the piano are custom MIDI-controlled percussion mechanisms, including solenoid-driven robotic systems designed to replicate electronic rhythms on acoustic . Notable among these is the Snar_2, a Ludwig automated by 13 independent beaters that strike the membrane from within, controlled via standard protocols to achieve variable dynamics and timbral shifts for glitch-like patterns. James also employed the HAT (Hit Any Thing) robot, featuring heavy-duty solenoids for striking larger percussion such as bass and cymbals, enabling rapid, quantized rhythms that mimic precision while retaining organic resonance. These devices, built in collaboration with the Logos Foundation, extend acoustic percussion into automated domains, producing unpredictable interactions between mechanical action and instrument vibration. Additional acoustic elements incorporate modified and harp-like instruments interfaced through software for automated plucking and simulations. MIDI-controlled pipe organs, sourced affordably and retrofitted for digital triggering, add sustained, drones akin to detuned strings, integrated via custom interfaces to blend with the core ensemble. Richard D. James developed bespoke software to orchestrate these components, synchronizing signals with acoustic feedback loops in environments like , which facilitates real-time processing for glitchy, emergent timbres through algorithmic variations in timing and intensity. This integration highlights innovations in hybrid , where digital precision unlocks the inherent unpredictability of acoustic materials.

Production

Composition Process

The composition process for Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 centered on iterative experimentation with looping acoustic phrases, designed to replicate Richard D. James's signature (IDM) patterns while emphasizing dissonance and . James programmed electro-mechanical instruments, such as the piano, to generate these loops, prioritizing the unpredictable physical interactions of acoustic elements over synthesized sounds for greater sonic depth. This method involved repeated trials to capture subtle variations in timing and , creating fragmented, atonal motifs that evoke tension without resolution. James developed 13 core tracks alongside three bonus pieces, structuring them as short, fragmented compositions averaging around two minutes in length to maintain a sense of brevity and . These pieces emerged from an intuitive , where James rearranged studio setups multiple times during creation, allowing ideas to evolve organically across sessions spanning several years. The result was a collection of concise vignettes that prioritize rhythmic interplay and sparse arrangements over extended development. James's layering technique started with raw acoustic recordings from the controlled instruments, followed by subtle electronic processing to craft hybrid textures that retained acoustic authenticity while introducing digital nuance. Techniques like re-amping—routing sounds through speakers or amplifiers and recapturing them—added spatial depth and harmonic overtones, bridging the mechanical and the electronic without overpowering the source material. This process ensured the final arrangements balanced clarity and intricacy, underscoring James's preference for real-world acoustics enhanced rather than replaced by technology.

Recording Techniques

The recording sessions for Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 took place at Richard D. James's home studio in , , spanning from 2014 to early 2015, where high-fidelity microphones were used to faithfully capture the acoustic nuances of the robotic performances. These sessions focused on electro-mechanical instruments such as MIDI-controlled pipe organs, a piano, and percussion robots, emphasizing the natural resonance and "something in the air" produced by physical sound sources over digital samples. Synchronization posed significant challenges due to the mechanical nature of the robotic instruments, especially in preventing latency during percussive elements that required tight timing. James addressed this by employing real-time feedback loops, which enabled precise control and calibration of timing and to ensure stability across takes. This approach mitigated issues like mechanical instability, allowing the automated systems to perform complex, multi-instrument pieces without audible delays. In post-recording editing, effects were applied minimally to preserve the inherent acoustic purity of the captures, with light compression introduced solely for control and overall cohesion. The final standard edition clocks in at a total runtime of 27:56, while the extended version incorporating bonus tracks reaches 40:30, achieved via careful trimming of improvisational elements generated during the automated sessions.

Release and Promotion

Announcement and Formats

The EP Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 was officially announced on January 9, 2015, as a surprise release from Aphex Twin, with digital pre-orders becoming available that day through Warp Records' platforms, including Bandcamp. The announcement included artwork featuring a blurred image of a prepared piano and confirmed a global release date of January 23, 2015. It was issued in multiple physical and digital formats to accommodate various listener preferences. The standard physical editions comprised a 12-inch 140-gram vinyl LP pressed in black vinyl with a spined sleeve, and a packaged in a six-panel Digipak with a promotional . Digital downloads were offered in high-resolution formats such as at 320 kbps, 24-bit , and , often bundled with physical purchases for immediate access. A region-specific Japanese edition was distributed by Beat Records, featuring a limited-edition CD in Digipak format with exclusive written by Atsushi Sasaki, providing context on the EP's acoustic instrumentation themes tailored for local audiences. This version maintained the core 13-track lineup but included Japanese packaging elements like an obi strip on select pressings.

Marketing Strategies

Warp Records and employed a low-key yet effective digital-first approach to promote Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2, leveraging to announce the surprise release and drive immediate pre-orders. On January 9, 2015, Richard D. James shared the EP's cover art and details via his official account, directing fans to Warp's online store for purchases and underscoring the "pt2" designation as a nod to the computer-controlled acoustic piano experiments featured on his 2001 album . This succinct tweet generated significant online buzz among fans still energized from the 2014 campaign, positioning the EP as an extension of James's ongoing exploration of mechanized acoustic sounds. To foster exclusivity and collector interest, the promotion highlighted limited physical formats, including a 500-copy run of 12-inch vinyl pressed exclusively for Bleep.com at £22.99. This tactic proved successful, with the edition selling out rapidly upon announcement, appealing to dedicated listeners seeking tangible artifacts of James's experimental output. The strategy built on the momentum from Aphex Twin's 2014 Syro tour, where live sets had reintroduced audiences to his intricate electronic textures, priming them for the EP's acoustic-focused innovations without direct previews. Although no official teaser videos were released prior to launch, the EP's full tracks became available for streaming on Warp's site on the release date of January 23, 2015, allowing fans to experience the robotic piano and prepared instrument demonstrations digitally and share snippets organically on platforms like . This direct-to-consumer model, combined with the EP's January 23 release date, emphasized accessibility while maintaining an aura of spontaneity consistent with James's enigmatic persona.

Musical Content

Style and Influences

Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 blends elements with (IDM), characterized by sparse piano motifs and glitchy acoustic percussion that evoke a sense of mechanical improvisation. The EP's sonic palette features de-tuned melodies, dissonances, and loping drum patterns played by robotic instruments, creating an uncanny fusion of organic timbres and precise digital control. This approach draws from experimental traditions, with connections to music and kinetic film scores, as well as musical automata like Pierre Bastien's orchestra. The release marks a departure from the denser, synth-driven electronics of (2014), shifting toward purer acoustic experimentation that emphasizes eerie, mechanical minimalism over layered algorithmic textures. Tracks unfold with brevity and restraint, prioritizing the tactile vibrations of physical instruments like the piano and MIDI-controlled percussion over the "crisp pulses and algorithmic wiggles" of prior works. This evolution positions pt2 as a spiritual sequel to (2001), extending its acoustic explorations—particularly the pieces—into a more automated, robot-orchestrated domain while retaining Richard D. James's signature sense of playful disorientation.

Track Listing

The standard edition of Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 features 13 tracks with a total duration of 27:52. All tracks were written and produced by Richard D. James under the pseudonym .
No.TitleDuration
1diskhat ALL prepared1mixed 135:22
2snar20:19
3diskhat12:26
4piano un1 arpej0:50
5DISKPREPT41:52
6hat 2b 2012b1:25
7disk aud1_120:08
80035 1-Audio0:26
9disk prep calrec2 barn dance [ s l o ]4:22
10DISKPREPT13:29
11diskhat20:38
12piano un10 it happened1:48
13hat5c 0001 rec-44:46

Reception and Impact

Critical Reviews

Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 received mixed reviews from critics, with an aggregate score of 64 out of 100 on based on 17 reviews, reflecting a generally favorable but divided reception. Positive critiques highlighted the EP's innovative use of computer-controlled acoustic instruments, praising its qualities. awarded it 8.3 out of 10, describing the tracks as evoking "a battalion of robots to realize his latest compositions" and noting its advancement of experiments from earlier works like . Similarly, gave it 8 out of 10, viewing the release as a natural evolution from and appreciating its engagement with robotic and acoustic experimentation in a manner that remains inspiring despite its abstract nature. On the negative side, some reviewers found the EP lacking vitality and cohesion when compared to Aphex Twin's prior output. Exclaim! rated it 6 out of 10, criticizing it as "the compositional scribblings of a sleepless man" with limited energy, where most tracks fail to sustain liveliness beyond brief moments and feel underdeveloped relative to the polish of . Other critics echoed this, pointing to its disjointed structure and half-finished impressions as detracting from replay value. Overall, common themes in the reviews centered on admiration for the technical innovation in acoustic instrument control, which pushed boundaries in , while debates arose over its —praised for artistic daring but faulted for alienating listeners seeking more immediate emotional or rhythmic engagement.

Commercial Performance

The EP achieved its strongest commercial showing in the United States, peaking at number one on the Dance/Electronic Albums chart in February 2015 with 3,000 units sold that week. In the , it entered the Albums Chart at number 36 and spent three weeks on the listing, while also reaching number eight on the Chart. Global sales were modest, largely propelled by digital downloads rather than physical copies, reflecting the EP's niche appeal within electronic music circles. This success was bolstered by Aphex Twin's established , particularly following the stronger performance of his preceding album , which had debuted at number eight on Japan's .

Personnel and Credits

Key Contributors

Richard D. James, performing under his Aphex Twin moniker, served as the sole composer, performer, and producer for all tracks on Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2. He handled performance duties on keyboards, percussion, programming, (Disklavier), computer, and , with many roles uncredited in the album notes. No additional musicians, guest vocalists, or collaborators contributed to the EP, as all sounds were generated through James's custom automated instrument setups, underscoring its solitary experimental character. Mastering was performed by Beau Thomas at Ten Eight Seven Mastering.

Design and Additional Notes

The cover art and design for Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 EP were handled by The Designers Republic, credited as MITDR™, a Sheffield-based studio renowned for their bold, abstract, and technology-inspired visuals that align closely with Warp Records' signature electronic music aesthetic. The vinyl edition features a standard spined sleeve with plain black inner surfaces and a black paper inner sleeve containing credits, accompanied by a download code card for digital access. The Japanese CD edition includes liner notes authored by Atsushi Sasaki. Phonographic copyright is held by Warp Records Limited, with publishing rights managed by BMG Chrysalis for global distribution.

References

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