AFX – orphaned deejay selek 2006-08 (Warop Records; 2015)
It’s still surreal to think Richard D. James is back to his usual self; having already released two EPs under two aliases and owned up to a slew of Soundcloud recordings in the year since Syro, it’s as if he never left. orphaned deejay selek 2006-08 is the latest treat from James’ AFX alias, a burst of wild, intricately arranged acid techno of the highest order. Deeply reminiscent of his own Analord series, orphaned deejay selek 2006-08 is a fat-free yet plentiful package brimming with nostalgic sounds and a thumping, fervent energy only an AFX release could deliver. While many would argue James’ latest output hasn’t been especially innovative or transformative, it doesn’t have to be. This is a man whose work has come to define an entire genre and gone through innumerable transmutations already. To expect anything more would be to ignore what’s already there; some of the most alien and unique sounding acid techno around and, arguably, some of his best in years.
Trial Track: “simple slamming b 2”
8/10
