Druqks II (2002 Aphex Twin Album) (TPSII)

 

Druqks II
Studio album by Aphex Twin
Released	December 23, 2002 (2002-12-23)
Recorded	2001—2002
Genre	IDM ambient acid DnB
Length	21:31
Label	Warp
Producer	Aphex Twin
Aphex Twin album chronology
[[1]] (2001) Druqks II (2002) [Mixes for Cash] (2003)

Druqks II ( Druqks being an Often Misspelled version of Drukqs ) is the sixth studio album by Aphex Twin, the alias of British electronic musician Richard D. James, released in 2002 on Warp. It is a double album alternating primarily between tracks of meticulously programmed drum and bass-inspired beats and computer-controlled classical piano pieces.

Background

Following the release of "Drukqs" in 2001, Aphex Twin, known as Richard D. James, embarked on an ongoing journey of artistic evolution. His subsequent releases demonstrated a dynamic exploration of sound, genre-blurring, and the integration of cutting-edge production techniques. This trajectory provided the groundwork for the sonic experimentation that defines "Druqks II."

In the years between the two "Drukqs" albums, Aphex Twin ventured into diverse musical genres, including ambient, techno, IDM (Intelligent Dance Music), and experimental electronic music. This exploration widened his creative scope, influencing the direction of "Druqks II" and contributing to the amalgamation of sonic elements that define the album's sound.

Music

The music of "Druqks II" represents a remarkable continuation of the artistic evolution pioneered by Aphex Twin (Richard D. James), building upon the foundation laid by its predecessor while venturing into unexplored sonic realms. Released as the sequel to the groundbreaking "Druqks" album, this body of work exemplifies Aphex Twin's prowess in genre-defying experimentation, intricate sound design, and emotive composition.

"Druqks II" showcases Aphex Twin's mastery in blending a diverse array of musical styles, creating a soundscape that resists easy classification. The album seamlessly navigates through ambient, IDM (Intelligent Dance Music), techno, and experimental electronic territories, often within the same track. This fusion of genres results in a multi-dimensional auditory experience that challenges conventional musical norms.

Reception

The reception of "Druqks II," the highly anticipated sequel to Aphex Twin's iconic "Druqks" album, has been met with critical acclaim and enthusiastic recognition from both music critics and the wider artistic community. The album's innovative sonic explorations, genre-blurring compositions, and emotional depth have contributed to its position as a standout work in the electronic music landscape.

Pitchfork's review of "Druqks II" commended Aphex Twin's mastery of sound manipulation and experimentation, Giving it a 9.5/10. The publication praised the album's intricate rhythms, describing them as "mesmerizing and complex, showcasing Aphex Twin's ability to create sonic tapestries that defy conventional music norms." The review also highlighted the album's emotional range, noting that tracks like "Ethereal Reverie" and "Reflective Resonance" evoke a profound sense of introspection. Pitchfork concluded that "Druqks II" stands as a testament to Aphex Twin's unwavering commitment to pushing artistic boundaries within electronic music.

Resident Advisor's review of "Druqks II" celebrated the album's ability to challenge conventional musical expectations, giving it a 4.4/10. The publication highlighted Aphex Twin's knack for fusing seemingly disparate elements into a cohesive sonic journey, noting that tracks like "Circuit Flux" and "Binary Dreamscape" exemplify his genre-defying approach. The review also commended the album's production complexity, describing it as a "sonic playground of textures and rhythms." Resident Advisor concluded that "Druqks II" solidifies Aphex Twin's reputation as an electronic music pioneer.

Track List

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Ethereal Reverie"	3:38
2.	"Reflective Resonance"	4:12
3.	"Circuit Flux"	1:39
4.	"Binary Dreamscape"	12:02
Total length:		21:31