Properreissue of Autechre’s debut full length!Originally released in 1993,Incunabulawould be the first of many outings on the influential Warp imprint fromRob Brown and Sean Booth, and a true classic of modernelectronic music. Here the UK duo laythe groundwork for their ever-evolving sound – a style that combines moody electronics with UK techno and electro – spawning a distinct strain of IDM. According to Brown, the album is something of a compilation of early works (the 1994 follow-upAmberbeing their first proper “album”),but you can already hear the seed of the Autechre aesthetic. Take the 8 minute journey of “Bike” that pairs atmospheric synth work over a bullet-proof electro rhythm, the funky-yet-cavernous groove of “Autriche,” or the intricate drum programming on “Basscadet” that might give label-mateRDJ a run for his money. An excellentstarting point for anyone new to Autechre’scatalog as it is a bit more palatable and relatively chill compared to increasingly more experimental albums further down the road. Also worth noting, this has been out of print on vinyl for over 15 years, so this identical repress (The Designers Republic on cover duties) is more than welcome. Essential listening, highly recommended.

• black double vinylpressing
• gatefold sleeve
• includes digital download for Incunabula plus bonus live material
• original release year: 1993
• music label: Warp Records 2016

reviewed by 9D-BB 01/2017

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