- Richard D. James in his comfort zone, and it's a joy to listen to.
- There's a nerve-wracking anticipation that comes with listening to a new Aphex Twin track. "Blackbox Life Recorder 21f," the first taste of a new EP on Warp, is his first release since 2015, and it—sigh of relief—finds him at his best. Its slippery, almost stuttering beat and flashes of breakbeat fit right into the 2023 milieu, albeit in typically Aphexian fashion. The rhythm never sits still, like a theme park ride that turns you upside down. It's loaded with melancholy melody, the kind of mood that wraps up mystery, sadness and beauty all in just a few notes. The breakdown is breathtaking. Still, it also feels familiar, coming and going with an almost professional efficiency, never quite breaking apart like you might expect it to. Ageless photos aside, maybe Aphex Twin is finally slowing down again. But probably not. "Blackbox Life Recorder 21f" is just a welcome detour along a scenic route.