Search - Aphex Twin :: Windowlicker

As the saying goes: "Two out of three ain't bad."

Maxx | NY, NY | 05/04/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Windowlicker is Richard D. James' sexiest work. As you've read over and over beforehand, it's comprised of oohs and aahs set to a porno-esque track. What they fail to mention is Aphex Twin's trademark polyrhythms, everchanging song structure and engrossing melodies are present, making this song much more than just unique - it really is one of the greatest electronica songs ever made. AFX certainly sets a very pornographic atmosphere in Windowlicker, right up to the climax of the song, indeed, a musical orgasm. It's one of those rare tracks you can pinpoint and say "This - this right here, this is proof that this Richard D. James is a genius."The next track, which I will be calling [Complex Mathmatical Equation], is the thematical flip side of Aphex Twin, but musically not very far off. The song pumps and jumps from section to section with ease, but instead of luring you in with lusty moans and sighs, it sharpens its teeth with its abrasive noises, sinks them into your skin, and drags you in, reminicent of Ventolin. This is a cool listen initially, as its harsh qualities are intriguing. Unfortunately, this song doesn't age well, and once the novelty has worn off, it becomes a chore to listen to. This is the only mediocre track on the single. Nannou is a gentle, yet energetic closer that makes you feel at home with its usage of a music box. Not just for melodies mind you, but the cranking of the box is incorporated as well, most effectively. This really lulls you to the realization that a single - a 15 minute single - indeed CAN have the impact of an album. I'd say this is very close to upstaging the title track, had Windowlicker not been so bizarre. A very pleasing closer to a single with a sultry headliner and a rotten core."

Isn't he, er, she so hot...

MDecember | Chicago, IL | 09/17/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Ah yes, the Windowlicker Single. The first time I was exposed to this was off of the Chris Cunningham music video DVD. Pretty amazing video. Kinda messed up. Then again, so is the other video Cunningham did for Richard; Come to Daddy.



The first track makes me think of what watching a porno would be like if I was having hallucinations. Um, yes. This is a good thing. The track is nothing short of amazing. It starts with a low, gravely groan that promises this song is going to take you home. Right away it throws you into some rough aural sex. But don't worry, it lightens up and gets a little more sensual, a little sleazier. I bought the CD for this track, but was glad to find the other two tracks didn't suck.



This next track isn't something you pop into your CD player for easy listening. It has a good baseline with some messed up everything else. He uses that hallow sound that I love. It's like that feeling when you are falling. Good stuff, but sometimes it sounds like he was just scrolling through the samples on a keyboard while playing a pattern of notes.



I really like the last track. Smart techno meets a child's crib. No harsh sounds, no intense punches, just a nice song."

Too damn short

Matthew Pedersen | Buckingham, England | 11/23/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Worth five stars, just for the video, created by all round genius Chris Cunningham (who also directed Come to Daddy). It is hilarious, but not in a roll on the floor type way, and is the best example of the attraction/repulsion phenomenon I have seen. The coreography and editing are phenomenal, and their is real artistry throughout the whole production. Make sure you check out all of his other videos (Squarepusher's Come on my selector, Madonna's Frozen, Portishead's Only you too name a few). He has stopped making promo's now, too work on a Feature version of the novel that defined cyber punk, Neuromancer. Ah, the music. Windowlicker without the video took a little time to grow on me. The song has a much more compressed production than any Aphex I have ever heard, which hides some of the musical and production details at first. It's still a twisted, banging tune however. [Symbol] is based around a simple rythym, using ever more bizzare modulations of different sounds in a quite calculated manner. The 'middle eight'(!) is entirely different, using fast fades of layered voices and noize in a startling, and bizarrely enough, moving way. Nannou is archetypical Aphex. A simple, but original premise (the sounds of a music box, using the clockwork and winding noises brilliantly as percussion) is executed to the nth degree. The downside? Too damn short, by about an hour."