IDM Shapeshifting: Aphex Twin Cares Because You Do.

APHEX TWIN: ...I CARE BECAUSE YOU DO

SCORE: 90/100

A return to gritty drum patterns after the slower, ambient sounds of 'Selected Ambient Works II', Richard D. James continues under his Aphex Twin alias to create highly intelligent electronic music that is both infectious and haunting; with thick drums and mellow synth chords that blend ambient and downtempo with genres like acid techno, IDM, and post-industrial - it's clear to see why Aphex Twin is considered one of the most iconically genius electronic musicians of all time. 

IDM is a hard genre to place, with Aphex Twin being the main, major face of the entire genre. His sound is sharp and experimental - and IDM is largely built on experimental ventures into unique sonic elements rather than taking one shape, genre, or form into account. This album shows that, with varied song lengths, a unique album format, and an appeal that is instantly apparent. Something worth noting about this album in particular (and all of James' work before this album, too) is that this album was made up of entirely analogue technology, with this project being his last to follow this tradition before he switched over to digital production work for albums like 'Richard D. James Album' and the later 'Syro'. 

This album was recorded over a four-year period before it was released a year later in 1995, being recorded and produced between the years 1990 and 1994. The album feels almost classical in nature, being made through traditional methods with the least conventional soundscapes imaginable - it's experimental, yet draws comparison to stunningly melodic classical music. No other producer could mix harsh drums, distorted and warped sounds, and stunning synth arrangements like James has done here. 

The moments of serenity are halted and clashed with - like a fight between good and evil, with the battle being truthfully between drum and synth. It's a clashing, intense level of sounds, with hugely experimental tracks that feel as if they shouldn't work as well as they do, but they always manage to come together into something wildly, immaculately impressive. 

Songs shift and take new shape throughout the album's runtime, creating new sonic lifeforms and ensuring for an immersive and deeply unique listening experience with songs that get gradually more full of grit as the album runs along - it goes from soft and unassuming to full-blown chaos in a slowly building, twisting and turning album; and the result is one of James' most interesting and comprehensive works to date. 

Rarely can an album manage to be so grimy and full of clashing elements while still keeping a consistent and delicately refined soundscape, but '...I Care Because You Do' manages to do that on all fronts.

It ranges from highly intense to serene within the simple flip of a beat, and everything comes together into one of the most expressively unique and brash electronic albums of all time; no producer could ever match how drastically unique James' sound is, and this album proves his early prowess on a very major scale.