Customer Reviews

Incunabula

5 star:		(48)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Released with virtually no fanfare or hype in 1993, Autechre's full length debut *Incunabla* is now considered the watershed pinpoint of early experimental electronica, `pure' IDM ambient at its finest. Sheffield natives Rob Brown and Sean Booth, childhood hip-hop aficionados and graffiti artists, began with this album a career trajectory in sonic manipulation that, in reflection, is as baffling as it is monumentus, the scope of which must be calculated in non-verbal experience, rather than the usual superlative expressionism (though we try, we really do...). *Incunabula*, Latin for `cradle' or `origin', is a fitting title for this sublime gem; when directly compared to Autchre's more recent releases like *Confield*, very little similarity can be discerned, at least superficially. But when taken in context, record to record, a journey of mind-boggling proportions unfolds, and the seeds of Autechre's eventual exploration of chaos-within-order sound structure can be found on this, the `birth' record, by far the most accessible and least-demanding work of Ae's oeuvre...and, consequently, considered by many as their best.

Whichever Autechre you prefer - order or chaos - *Incunabula* stands as one of the catchiest `cold' albums in existence. The gray tones of the cover visually distinguish the overall color-scheme of the entire album: in the mind's eye, I am constantly reminded of overcast skies, windswept mountains clad in ice; dull chrome and greasy steel; the pall of industrial fumigation and the necroshine of a neon-drenched cityscape. Fans of Autechre often describe this music as the closest aural equivalent to the Song of Machines, all clicks and bleeps and grinding gears, mathematical equations hardwired into sonic representation. There is very little ~human~ element to Ae's music, and yet, therein lies the source of its beguiling mystique: music like this could never find an adequate genesis with organic instruments. *Incunabula*, and especially *Tri Repatae++* and *Confield*, is the soundtrack of our 21st century tekgnosis: a cybernetic evolution of communication: the future, now.

In hindsight, *Incunabula* is perhaps Autechre's most shallow album; but `shallow' is a deceptive term, for the depths of even this birth-record cannot be fully grasped in the first, or even tenth, listen. Tiny, pivotal details surface with constant re-examination, and it blows my mind that this was made by two guys in their early twenties. I also find *Incunabula* to be Ae's most ~fluid~ record: each song flows into the next, there is virtually no filler, and the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts. The sonic palate is consistent throughout - chattering breakbeat percussion, supplemented by deep bass currents, are gradually overlaid with Eno-ish synth tones and garnished with precise effects; hooks appear, anchoring the ear, then either attain climatic denouement (as in `Eggshell') or else morph/contort/ and/or drift away in the stormfront haze. Most effectively, the overall soothing consistency of the album is punctured at strategic points, giving a whiplash snap to the ambient flow, such as the opening snarl of `Doctrine' after the aforementioned glide of `Eggshell', or the smarmy hip-hop parody of `Lowride' on the whispering tail of `Windwind's' devastating death-fugue. Other highlights include the almost-giddy `Bike', its shimmering melodies augmented by melancholic growls; the meticulous drive of `Basscadet', its harsh effects-rhythms and moody ambience giving us a brief taste of Autechre's future releases; and finally `444', the closing epic, wherein the evanescence and subtle brutality that has preceded find culmination - truly, a paean to the lonely, disconnected nature of cyberspace and its plugged-in denizens.

Or, to use an organic metaphor, *Incunabula* is the soundscape of winter, of earth subsumed by a cold, crystalline surface of snow, nature buried under Melville's terrifying whiteness - the abyss codified and, at least in this record, made palatable. Initiates into IDM should start here, then progress with the warmer *Amber* (autumn) and *Tri Repatae++*, Autechre's indisputable mechanistic magna opus. I personally like both of those albums more than *Incunabula* - concepts introduced here are simultaneously built upon and deconstructed - but neither are as accessible or as wistfully poignant - in an innocent sort of way - as this birth-record, the first step of a long and perilous journey from order into chaos.

Highly recommended for adventurous ears

Autechre's debut album gets excellent reviews for good reason. Entering the UK charts at #1, it also was a well-deserved commercial success. Still, there some distinct musical differences to Autechre's later-era output. The rhythm constructions are more fragile, subdued, and fluid, and tracks like "Bike" and "Lowride" even expose Autechre's hip hop roots. "Incunabula" comes up with very beautiful and aesthetic melodies which never seem to be trite, formless, or trashy. Rather allied to '70s electronic pioneers like Brian Eno, Kraftwerk, and Tangerine Dream, "Incunabula" is also a work with concept character. From "Eggshell" on, Autechre take you on a plesant, neverending journey through time and space. Listen to "Windwind" and imagine a moonlit mountain range covered with shimmering ice and snow. I never thought that electronic music could have such an emotional power and quality. This is excellent trance music without the boredom of many other new age or ambient records. Unlike many of Autechre's other efforts, this album is palatable for everyone, even for people who usually don't care about techno music.

Electronica has got a bad rep for being unemotional and annoying. Autechre is one of those groups/artists which shatters that stereotype with rythmic, intelligent, and beautiful electronica music (the others that I am aware of that are GREAT are Aphex Twin, Boards of Canada, and Squarepusher). Autechre's music may not be extremely easy to listen to, but after you listen to any of their albums 2 or 3 times you relize just how beautiful and flowing it is. In my opinion, Incunabula represents the pinnacle of Autechre's music. Unlike many of their other music, Incunabula is filled with old-school electronica sounds, which is why some people say it sounds out-dated or simple, but in all it is a reason why it is so great. Incunabula's music relies more on percussion and hip-hop beats, which is different but gives the album a sound that is actually rare. As with most of Autechre's music, Incunabula is very mathematical, and its beats are perfectly synchronized. At first, it does sound like it was put together with elementary software using old, out-dated sounds. But once you get used to the album, you see the hidden beauty. Every song in this album has its own characteristic, but all are great. The only song I really grown to enjoy is Bronchus 2.
1. Kalpol Introl- 8/10- Probably the most inriguing sounding song of the album. It doesnt rely on the hip-hop percussion beats like the rest of the songs do, as it uses the strange flowing sounds that are more common in electronica today. The thing is it just drags on without getting somewhere significant. Great sounding in the beginning though.
2. Bike- 9/10- This song sets the ambient/hip-hop beats that are common throughout the album. Not the most entertaining song of the album, but is very good nonetheless.
3. Autriche- 9/10- Probably the most ambient song of the album; it is soft, fairly slow, but has the catchy percussion in the backround. Has plenty of weird ambient noises in the backround, but its all the better for it. Sounds out-dated compared to Aphex Twin's [On #1]- which was made in 1993.
4. Bronchus 2- 5/10- To me, its the weak-point of the album. It's definatly the most abstract of the bunch. I am usually able to appreciate abstract ambient electronica a lot more than this...
5. Basscadet- 9.5/10- Picks the beat and noise level up a notch, but keeps the ambient attitude. It is a lot more catchy, but just as intellectual and mathematical as the rest. I can imagine that some people may not like it because it doesnt go where some of the other songs go; kind of like Kalpol Introl, but not to as big of an extent. In my opinion its a great song.
6. Eggshell- 10/10- Take the best qualities of this album and mix them together, and you get this song. Along with 444, it is my favorite. 9 minutes may seem way too long for any song to last, but once you appreciate this kind of music you'll enjoy every second of this song. Very few, if none at all, can make an old-school song like this and make it an enjoyable and memorable experience out of it.
7. Doctrine- 9/10- One of the stranger songs of this album. It takes a more violent and harsh sound and mixes it in with the old-school electronica sound that flourishes in Incunabula. Fortunatly its a great mix, and is a great song.
8. Maetl- 10/10- Similiar to Eggshell, it takes ambient and intelligent techno and blends them together. Great song.
9. Windwind- 9/10- Definatly the ambient song of the album. It stretches over 11 minutes in length, but just like Eggshell it makes good use of that time. Windwind sounds quite like those from Aphex Twin's Selected Ambient albums. It is long and flowing, and evolves at a slow but noticeable pace.
10. Lowride- 10/10- The most hip-hop sounding song of the group. Has a great beat but retains the mathematical aspect of Autechre's music, and also retains their sense of artistry. One of the best songs of the album.
11. 444- 11/10- Another ambient-sounding song, very broad and flowing. But unlike Windwind, 444 is extremely involving, and is one of those songs that let's your mind free to expand and explore. Probably my favorite song of the album. Doesnt sound as out-dated, as it is very complex. It may take a few times of listening to it to grasp it's greatness, but once you explore the depths of sound that makes up the structure of this song, you will experience one of the greatest electronica songs ever made (in my opinion). Once again, it sounds like a song made by Aphex Twin but with an Autechre-twist. Magnificent blend.

Overall, Incunabula is a must-have for those who listen to electronica history. It is an album that will show you just how far electronica has evolved since it's release over 10 years ago, but it will show you just how beautiful it is for it. In my opinion, it is Autechre's finest work of art and is one of the greatest electronica albums ever released. Go ahead, expand your mind and try it out.

what else can I say? I am not even really a big electronica fan; most of it is horribly cliched and fake sounding. Not so with Autechre. Humanity creeps through machines. Some say it is the 'classical' of the new age.... A lofty ideal, yet doesn't seem too far from the truth. I thought that I had possibly made the wrong purchase when I first bought one of their albums, but was soon lured in once I gave it the attention it deserved. This is anti-pop music. It won't be something you can put on at a party (well, not for most people) and have people dance to it. It is challenging, not easy listening. Each one of their albums is different and engaging, and this one proves to rank with the best.

I bought a bunch of albums when I first decided to dip my toes in the vast electronica genre, and this was one of them. A year or two later, and I was still a bit mystified by Autechre's stature in the community. Sure, their music is textural and complex, but it also seemed sterile and repetitive. Autechre deserves the accusation so often leveled at electronic music, that it lacks soul, I thought.

Now I feel differently. I kept listening to Autechre albums, searching for that special something, until I purchased LP5, which left me instantly thunderstruck. Majestic, pathetic, introverted to the point of autism...LP5 is fantastic and terrifying. It demands your full attention. Incunabula, on the other hand, didn't appeal to me immediately; it took a while to insinuate its way into my consciousness. At first, I realized it's great to drive to, a small enough accomplishment. Now, I consider it on a par with LP5...it is the album I unwind to after the soul-blast delivered by LP5. Not that Incunabula is a warm album; it partakes of the same cool urban hipness that is the hallmark of acts like Underworld. But it blends soaring melodies with rolling beats in a harmonious way, unlike later Autechre endeavors, where fragile melodies are often disrupted and shredded by malicious, stuttering drum loops.

Other bands, like Orbital circa In Sides, may have a better grasp of musical structure and emotional impact. But this album, with it's polished, spotless production, is the very definition of futuristic cool. Incunabula and LP5 bookend Autechre's career at the present moment, and are their two best albums IMO. Either are a great introduction to the band.

This album is amazingly consistent, compelling and engaging throughout, but it's so effing brilliant, it still manages to creep up on you and lay you down panting on the floor, after the last three tracks have messed with your mind and put you on some kind of transcendent plane well above the mundane, everyday lacakadaisical nothingish funk that fills the head after another wallow in samsaric ho-hum-boredom, desperate to find something that can uplift, motivate, challenge and stimulate. This album is it!

Well, something like that. This has become my favourite Ae album after just one listen. Coupled with Amber, it is a great entry point to the more melodic side of Ae. For something a bit more challenging, dip into Chiastic Slide, which will prepare you well for Tri Repetae++ and EP7. Ah what the heck, just put in your order for all the AE albums and listen to them in any darned order you like.

Ae rools OK!

A 5-star review may seem like hyperbole, but I can assure you if you are interested in electronic music that aims at moving your soul over moving your body then you CAN NOT do without this album. It's definately the most accsessible (even though it still might take a couple listens to wrap your ears around). There is so much atmosphere and emotion and the arrangements sound so right. 'Bike' hits me as hard as when I first heard Kraftwerk. The whole album is warm, creepy, cold, soothing, electrifying all at the same time.

Autechre has become something more to me than just an alternative to listening to music. Listening to Autechre, especially alone, has become an addictive way of life for me. It has changed me over the years.

When I'm working the mail at my post office in the evenings, I like to work it while I'm listening to Autechre. The sounds of Autechre (in all its varying effects) truly compells me to just keep throwing that mail. It motivates me to work very fast as well as keeping my memory sharp (correctly throwing the right letters to the right carriers cubby-holes), and I can go on for hours without even acknowledging the time.

Since Autechre has become a part of my life, I have become healthier, more physically toned, keener with my wits, and even more long-term physically sexual. Yes, I have increased and enhanced my sexual longevity performance as a result of improved health by my addiction to listening to Autechre over the years.

What I have done to make this IDM sound drug more potent is that I have put all my Autechre CD's on a CDR burned by a program called Sonic Stage. It comes with Sony CD players that play the ATRAC3plus CDR's that you make through the computer. You can put more than 30 hours of music on a single CDR. So, having about 15 hours of Autechre playing in a continuous shuffle for hours on end while I'm at work has caused me to work a projected 3 and a half hours work in just under 2 hours. I actually hate it when I run out of work to do because I am still on an Autechre high.

So, in a nutshell, the music of Autechre turned me into a healthier, better physical shape, faster mental processor, higher self-esteemed, workaholic. And yet, this music drives my boss crazy. My fellow workers don't seem to mind it, because they all benefit from my work performance as a result of this audio drug.

If anyone else has experienced this same kind of Autechre euphoria, please write me at kzq7@yahoo.com I'd like to hear other stories of how Autechre has affected their lives.

My favourite Autechre tracks are the more accessible and melodic ones, like Eutow off Tri Repetae ++ and Lowride featured here. If you think Autechre is a hard listen(or unlistenable), check this album out. Lowride shows a nice hip-hop influence, a funky piano and a catchy melody - my favorite here. Autriche and Bike are also nice and tuneful.

Autechre's debut album is worlds away from the precise Glitch & fractured Techno that they went on to become accomplished producers at. This is an album of stark metallic sounds that sound conventionally at odds with the melodic song structures, that are entirely instrumental. Something else worth noting is that each songs gradually unfolds and uncompresses itself, moving between brooding arrangements and rhythmic drum pattern backed by synth & organ tones. It's strangely compelling in the way that over the course of the frequent six minutes plus tracks, that you'll find yourself growing in appreciation with each strikingly precise track. Think a more detached and synthesized alternative to `Board of Canada' and you'll not be far of. This is galvanising, Cerebral ambient techno music, and along with the sophomore release "Amber" would mark Autechre's more subtle compositions before their successive albums slowly moved into more (although equally accomplished) `Glitch' electronica....unquestionably recommended.