A Thanksgiving Gift from the Electronic Pioneer

Richard D. James, known globally as Aphex Twin, gifted his devoted fanbase with two previously unheard compositions this Thanksgiving. The tracks, titled “Zahl am 1c f760m1 unfinshd” and “Zahl am1 live track 1,” were uploaded to his official SoundCloud page, offering a spontaneous burst of creativity.

While described as “unpolished gems,” both pieces demonstrate a surprising level of refinement. “Zahl am 1c f760m1 unfinshd” blends nostalgic soundscapes with a driving, danceable rhythm, while “Zahl am1 live track 1” prioritizes atmosphere, stripping back the percussion for a more immersive experience. The contrast highlights Aphex Twin’s versatility and continued exploration of sonic textures.

The Zähl Soundboard Connection

According to reports from Stereogum, the track names are directly linked to the Zähl soundboard, the very instrument Aphex Twin utilized during the mixing process. This detail offers a fascinating insight into his production workflow and the tools he favors.

The accompanying artwork for both tracks features a candid snapshot of Aphex Twin enjoying a beachside moment with a previously unidentified woman. Eagle-eyed fans on Reddit quickly identified the mystery individual as Cordelia Angel-Clarke, a filmmaker whose work has garnered critical acclaim. You can find her work on Instagram.

In a characteristically understated caption accompanying the SoundCloud upload, Aphex Twin shared, “got many requests for this one from a few years back, italy, pic with my love from scilly recently…need sun…relentlessly raining in uk…mixed down on the zahl, think theres better mixes, will upload if i find em.” This personal note adds a layer of intimacy to the release, offering a rare glimpse into the artist’s life and creative process.

Aphex Twin’s most recent official project, the EP Blackbox Life Recorder 21f / in a room7 F760, debuted in July 2023, further cementing his status as a leading figure in electronic music innovation.

What do you think of these new tracks? Do they represent a new direction for Aphex Twin, or a return to familiar territory?

Considering Aphex Twin’s history of unpredictable releases, what surprises might he have in store for us next?

Frequently Asked Questions About Aphex Twin’s New Music

• What are the names of the new Aphex Twin songs?

  The new tracks are titled “Zahl am 1c f760m1 unfinshd” and “Zahl am1 live track 1.”

• Where can I listen to the new Aphex Twin music?

  Both tracks are available for streaming on Aphex Twin’s official SoundCloud page.

• Who is the woman featured in the photo with Aphex Twin?

  Fans have identified the woman as Cordelia Angel-Clarke, a filmmaker.

• What is the significance of the “Zahl” in the track titles?

  The name refers to the Zähl soundboard that Aphex Twin used to mix the tracks.

• When was Aphex Twin’s last official EP released?

  His last EP, Blackbox Life Recorder 21f / in a room7 F760, was released in July 2023.