MusicFreaks

Tag: Aphex Twin

  • Djrum Dazzles Anew On ‘I Wander ‘EP

    Musician and producer Djrum (Felix Manuel) is charting an exciting course this summer, shifting gears from his acclaimed electronic sound to a new project that explores the nuanced world of rhythm and narrative: the EP I Wander.

    Following the success of his 2025 jazz-tinged electronic album Under Tangled Silence, Manuel is now releasing I Wander, a six-track project described as “arranged for continuous playback.” Scheduled for release on August 14th via Houndstooth, the EP invites listeners to engage with music in new and flexible ways.

    Manuel approaches composition not just as creating songs, but as playing with the very distinctions between a song, a track, and a piece. He believes that I Wander allows listeners to experience the work in bite-sized chunks while also revealing a larger narrative when listened to cohesively. Each track offers a distinct story, yet together, they unfold a deeper, more complex narrative.

    The sonic landscape of I Wander bridges Manuel’s established style with unexpected influences. While his previous work drew heavily from Warp Records-style electronica and piano-forward acoustics, this new EP nods to the frenetic breakbeats of legendary artists like Aphex Twin and Squarepusher, injecting a raw, kinetic energy into his sound.

    This evolution is supported by strong critical validation. His previous album, The Guardian, was lauded as “a masterclass of detail and vision,” while The Wire hailed the work as “an exquisite amalgam of past and present musical identities.”

    Fresh off a sold-out performance at London’s Barbican, Manuel is bringing his evolving sound to international stages. He will perform today (July 2) at Denmark’s Roskilde Festival, followed by a packed schedule of shows through late October.

    Catch Djrum live on tour:

    • July 2: Roskilde, Denmark (Roskilde Festival)
    • July 4: Turin, Italy (Kappa Futur Festival)
    • July 10-12: Hay-on-Wye, Wales (Freerotation)
    • July 22: Puglia, Italy (Polifonic Festival)
    • Aug. 9: Norfolk, England (Houghton Festival)
    • Aug. 22: Biddinghuizen, Netherlands (Lowlands Festival)
    • Aug. 29: Porto, Portugal (Gare)
    • Aug. 30: Alandroal, Portugal (Gravitate Festival)
    • Sept. 11: Berlin (Tresor)
    • Sept. 13: London (Waterworks Festival)
    • Oct. 23: Amsterdam (Club Raum ADE)
    • Oct. 24: Wuppertal, Germany (Open Ground)

    Credit: Spin

  • Through The Flames Of Hell With Boards Of Canada

    The world of electronic music is vast, filled with intricate sonic landscapes and deep technological roots. Yet, when it comes to the often-overlooked titans of Intelligent Dance Music (IDM), many listeners find themselves charting a unique course through the genre’s complex history.

    For some, the fascination lies in the hardware—the esoteric electronics that drive sound creation. But for others, the joy is in the rhythm and the cerebral layering of IDM. This dichotomy perfectly frames the journey into electronic music, where deep technical affinity doesn’t always translate to die-hard devotion to a single sound.

    When diving into the atmospheric world of IDM, listeners often gravitate toward artists known for their nuanced complexity, such as Aphex Twin or Squarepusher. These acts exemplify the genre’s ability to blend technical prowess with deeply emotional, often abstract sound design.

    Looking back at the vibrant landscape of 1990s Warp Records, a different selection emerges. For those exploring that era, artists like Seefeel, Two Lone Swordsmen, and Plaid offer equally compelling journeys—a rich tapestry woven with experimental textures and innovative rhythms.

    The true magic of musical discovery often happens in the most unexpected places. A memorable anecdote illustrates how easily a seemingly obscure project can enter the mainstream consciousness. One listener recounts an encounter during a mundane Spanish lecture, where a chatty classmate casually mentioned the Scottish project Music Has The Right To Children.

    This simple, accidental introduction highlights the serendipitous nature of music appreciation. It shows how an idea, shared without fanfare in an unplanned setting, can spark a lifelong affinity for groundbreaking art. It reminds us that some of the most influential sounds aren’t always found in specialized circles, but are waiting for the right moment to be heard.

    Credit: Stereogum