Anti

This energizing three-song set is one of the better non-LP releases by the duo of Sean Booth and Rob Brown. Anti EP finds Autechre at a time when their sound was perhaps a little more accessible than where they went to by the mid-to-late '90s, and it's a shame there aren't more releases like this one. There is still a human element in this trio of songs -- call it melody or chord progression -- that Autechre seems to have left behind in pursuit of bleaker pastures. The first track, "Lost," is a percussive venture, sprinkled with simple chords, shimmering sequencers, and unintelligible vocal clippings. "Djarum" comes next with cold, industrial rhythms and sparse keyboard arrangements; perhaps the best example of things to come for the duo. Following this computer mood piece is "Flutter," which skips and stutters along to reach a beautiful, melodic finale that brings the track and the EP to a close. Beyond a doubt, this is an excellent showcase not only for the band, but also for the label that signed them. Indeed, Warp Records put "Lost" and "Flutter" on their brilliant 1996 compilation Blech (WARPCD44), plus two others tracks from the band, so clearly Autechre was the defining sound. For more music of this exact caliber, pick up the double-CD Tri Repetae and take the day off to enjoy it all. ~ Ken Tataki|