Richard D. James Album

'Richard D. James Album' synthesizes furiously complex, jungle-influenced breakbeats with the lush string arrangements and ambient melodies characteristic of Aphex Twin's earlier work. Composed on a Macintosh computer, the album’s production is defined by its meticulous drum programming, unconventional use of sampled violin, and digitally manipulated vocals that lend the work an abstract, autobiographical quality. The stark contrast between its aggressive, jackhammering rhythms and delicate, symphonic textures established the record as a landmark of 1990s IDM and a definitive artistic statement.