The first release under the AFX moniker, AB3 has the run time of an album, which would make it James’ only LP on his own Rephlex Records. But for some reason it’s categorised as an EP, and I’d argue there’s only an EP’s worth of decent material here.
The third instalment in the Analogue Bubblebath series, this feels more like a collection of b-sides and outtakes from other albums. It’s impossible to know exactly when these were produced, but the level of quality is not at the level of Surfing on Sine Waves or SAW 85-92.
The tracks are given numerical code-like titles and as always, there’s still gems to be found. (CAT 00897-AA1) [Fluted] is the little brother of Analogue Bubblebath, with a chiming synth melody and cavernously reverb’d drum beat. .1993841 feels like the evil twin version of On, with its pummelling down-beat and a malevolent zapping laser sound in place of the iconic piano arpeggio.
.215061 has a lush synth line that leans heavily on early electro, and has an almost synth-pop vibe, atop what is by now a classic Aphex Twin drum pattern. .000890569 retreads the same format with a souped-up riff and ravier beat; probably the most Trance-wards Aphex has ever veered.
On both tracks, the production sounds very ‘wet’ (not a technical term but the best I can think to describe it). It’s hard to say if this intentional or just a function of poor mastering, but it’s not something the last two releases suffered from.
Obviously it was part of the whole ethic of the label, but with their ultra minimal, no-frills packaging, Rephlex didn’t give you a huge motivation – aside from the quality of the music – to treasure their releases. Which is partly why I never held onto my old Compact Disc of AB3 (someone else’s copy is pictured here).
Though there are a few nuggets here, AB3 feels like a bit of a hodge-podge. But not to fear, coming up next Rich will be closing out 1993 with an instant classic and his first track to trouble the top 40 of the UK Singles Chart.
Rating: 2.5 / 5 – one for fans of old-school DIY Cornish Techno
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