Aphex Twin Curates at Mayfield Depot

Johnny James, Managing Editor

Book now

Aphex Twin Curates

Depot Mayfield, Manchester
20 September 2019

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Mayfield Depot
Book now

It started with a set of co-ordinates. Overlaying an aerial view of Manchester, a teaser video on Aphex Twin’s social media channels offered “53.4757 N – 2.2266 W” alongside a date: “September 20, 2019”. Cryptically announcing Richard D. James’ first ever curated show, the video spread like wildfire, with the electronic music press spiralling into an excited frenzy. Naturally, tickets are now selling like wonka bars – just 18% remain at the time of writing this. If you’re on the fence as to whether to buy one, here’s a journey through Aphex’ eclectic output. It might just nudge you in the only sensible direction.

Synonymous with the IDM (Intelligent Dance Music) genre, Aphex Twin is one of the most celebrated electronic musicians of all time. Since his earliest releases in 1991, he has, time after time, pushed the envelope of what can be accomplished with electronic equipment. Released in 1992, his debut album Selected Ambient Works 85-92 is regarded as the pinnacle of ambient techno. Seemingly unbounded by time, its heady, otherworldly atmospheres were – and still are – unlike anything else in the electronic music landscape.

In the years following, James released a slew of music under various aliases and through a variety of labels (with Warp being the official home of the Aphex Twin material). After a further ambient album – Selected Ambient Works Part II – came a bold change of pace. 1995’s I Care Because You Do introduced a new, mischievously freakish style which incorporated abrasive drum ‘n’ bass beats and acid melodies. It also introduced a new, playfully sinister aesthetic, hallmarked by a now-legendary maniacal grin. Then came 1996’s Richard D. James, and a more thoroughly-realised vision of James’ wildly inventive – almost childlike – sound.

In the year following, James moved from fringe to mainstream notoriety with the hilariously terrifying Come to Daddy, which was matched in popularity by 1999’s futuristic drug-pop banger, ‘Windowlicker’. This led to a further change of pace: 2001’s Druqks. Therein James presented a gorgeous new soundworld, occupied largely by prepared piano and electro-acoustic experiments. The delicate ‘Avril 14th’ shone particularly brightly, taking on a life of its own through usage in TV and film.

By the mid 2010’s, Aphex Twin had infiltrated popular culture to the point where a fluorescent green blimp adorned with his logo triggered rabid excitement over imminent new material: 2014’s Syro. From loping breakbeat to frenetic drum’n’bass to balls-to-the-wall techno, this highly melodic album gazed towards the 90’s whilst remaining utterly contemporary. There followed two great EP’s – the future-leaning Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments, Pt. 2. and back-to-basics Cheetah – before another round of mysterious street advertising in 2018. This foreshadowed the release of the intoxicatingly glitchy Collapse EP, whose intricate and meticulous tracks remain Aphex’s most recent material.

It’s been two years since Aphex played in the UK. His set at Field Day 2017 offered a sensory overload in which music, noise, lasers and terrifying visuals combined to gradually unhinge the crowd. On the 12 screens surrounding James, wildly contorted images of royalty, former prime ministers, TV personalities and uncannily crowd members flashed blindingly to the music, which throughout took wildly unexpected, usually harrowing turns. The entire experience was insane, and clearly the work of a singular creative mind. Accordingly, reviews were littered with phrases like “spine-tingling” (The Guardian) and “difficultly brilliant” (The Telegraph), with critics struggling to capture in words the mind-bending, face-melting rollercoaster they’d been on.

Fancy riding it yourself? With the likes of Nina Kraviz, Aleksi Perälä and Lee Gamble supporting Aphex at Mayfield Depot this September, this event is the jewel in the crown of The Warehouse Project 2019. Don’t miss it.

What's on at Depot Mayfield

Where to go near Aphex Twin Curates at Mayfield Depot

Manchester
Music venue
The Star & Garter

The Star and Garter is a legendary Manchester pub and music venue located in a grade II listed building on Fairfield Street.

Manchester
Restaurant
Mayfield

Mayfield is about to be reborn. Innovation, audacity and imagination are in the air, as energy, ideas and life return to this neglected part of Manchester city centre.

Mayfield Park (Map location 13) - Manchester Bloomtown Map photos
Manchester
Mayfield Park

Manchester has a new green heart: The 6.5 acre Mayfield Park, complete with the largest public playground in the city.

One Star Doner Bar
Manchester
Bar or Pub
One Star Doner Bar

One Star Döner Bar is the latest addition to the fast-growing Escape To Freight Island, the exciting urban market located at Depot Mayfield.

Manchester
Event venue
Freight Island

Freight Island is back for its fifth season, with a sparkling new line-up of events and happenings.

What's on: Music

Culture Guides

Star Nhà Ease
Cinema in the North

July's cinema highlights include spotlights on international cinema, a new cult classic, plus a visit from one of our favourite directors.

Exhibitions in the North

Captivating, urgent and intimate - we bring you our top exhibition picks, with even more art festivals, artist-led shows and new venues.

Theatre in Manchester
Theatre in the North

Summer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle - from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.

European Poetry Festival European Camarade
Literature Events in the North

From tongue-twisters to twisty page-turners, we have all kinds of spoken word surprises in the latest literature round-up.