Aphex Twin SYRO

A green blimp with the number "2014" and the Aphex Twin logo appeared in London's skies this weekend. The Aphex Twin logo then appeared all over New York City. Go ahead and get full-on excited about that now, because Richard D. James has just announced SYRO, his first Aphex Twin LP since 2001's Drukqs. It was announced via Tor, the deep web browser typically used for the internet's shadier pursuits.

This morning, James tweeted a URL that only works with the Tor browser. The link revealed the above image, as well as what appears to be a tracklist. You can look at that below. We can confirm that all of this information: the image, the album title, and the tracklist, are all real and official.

There's also this site, accessible using a regular browser, containing everything but the title and tracklist: http://syro2eznzea2xbpi.com/

Earlier this year, the Caustic Window record from 1994 made the rounds via Kickstarter. Back in 2011, James premiered new music in Poland. His last string of live appearances were in 2011 and 2012, including a set at the 2011 Pitchfork Music Festival Paris.

Tracklist
01. minipops 67 (source field mix)
02. XMAS_EVET10 (thanaton3 mix)
03. produk 29
04. 4 bit 9d api+e+6
05. 180db_
06. CIRCLONT6A (syrobonkus mix)
07. fz pseudotimestretch+e+3
08. CIRCLONT14 (shrymoming mix)
09. syro u473t8+e (piezoluminescence mix)
10. PAPAT4 (pineal mix)
11. s950tx16wasr10 (earth portal mix)
12. aisatsana

There's a fake leak being shared on various torrent and download sites. Several members have found out it's Lodsb’s “Lazer eyes love” album simply renamed to fit Aphex title tracks.

Similar to Daft Punk releases, Aphex Twin's album is bound to get a few fake album leaks along the way.

There are multiple fake SYRO album download leaks floating around and while most of them have been identifiable as other artists album being renamed, one has yet to be confirmed as fake.

Popular private music torrent site What.CD, which is known for its strict rules, has yet to mark the album as fake, and noted that "There is a strong chance that this 'leak' is not Aphex Twin. However, there is currently no conclusive proof either way".

This has sparked an interesting discussion, with some fans stating it just might be Aphex himself putting out a fake album. As one fan says; "anyone who has listened to rdj since the 90's is painfully aware this is fake". However, another fan had an interesting take on the situation:

"RDJ is a renowned troll. It's not beyond the realm of reason to think he might have leaked this as a joke. [And] As many have noted here, there are many releases that, when first leaked, people were certain were fake, but they turned out to be real (Daft Punk being perhaps the most recent example). Personally, I'm near certain this isn't the case, but it's not impossible that Aphex could have suddenly lost nearly all his creative excellence."

The album cover, by Designers Republic has been announced along with the track times - Which doesn't match up with the previous unidentified leak.

The album will be out on September 23th via Warp and a press release, including a lengthy (and odd) biography has been shared. Below is a quote:

"Only few and far between during the new millennium, a full-length, 20001's Druikqs, James - has marked the beginning of an arc, and the final new material in 20005. A lot of the music in any way is often a lack of communication and leadership to be fallacious rumors of new material for his fannies and his enthusiasm has not diminished hope. However ambitious this year, 9014, they uncovered new mats in almost a decade distribution crowdfund rallied together his army of fans: A precious gift that can not be the same as the new

Phex Twinnipicks material is still unquenched thirst.

Syria, September 23, 2014, along with records of Aphex Twin's new album to be released. For the owner of Triple vinyl, CD and digital formats will be available. Bleep a very limited vinyl version you can register your interest in buying."

A snippet of SYRO debuted live 7 years ago, according to a member of What. The opening track is subtitled on the press release as "the manchester track", which is apparently the fan name for minipops 67 [source field mix]. A Youtube snippet has been added to this page.

There's also talk about Metz, a track which debuted in 2010, might be included on the album but with a different title.

Meanwhile, a Japanese bonus track has been revealed. In standard Aphex track naming fashion it's titled MARCHROMT30A edit 2b 96.

All formats available including the chance to enter a ballot for a supper limited addition box set, hand crafted, etc. Very fancy (and expensive).

https://bleep.com/release/53848-aphex-twin-syro

Fader has recently conducted an interview with James, discussing SYRO. Among the highlights, Mr Aphex revealed that the album is a mixture of old and new songs. Some of the songs date back "six or seven years ago" which sort of confirms that both the Manchester track (posted earlier) and Metz, which also has been played live, might be on it.

He also told Fader that he's buying an insane amount of music on a weekly basis, "I collect sounds from other records so I have to know where they come from and how they’re made. I bought every old sampler in existence and bought all the sample libraries. Like a serial killer, basically. I’ve gone through all of the sounds and worked out where everyone got all their sounds from."

And finally, he reveals that SYRO isn't a one-off, there's more to come.

A few lucky fans will be able to listen to the album in advance, as Warp Records are planning to host listening events worldwide. The events will take place between September 5 and 10, starting off in London and taking place in cities including Paris, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto and Brussels.

There's going to be a ticket lottery which you will be able to enter through the source link below.

Starting tomorrow, a handful of independent record stores across the UK will host listening opportunities for Aphex Twin's 'Syro'.

Wednesday 17th @ 6pm - Picadilly Records, Manchester

Thursday 18th @ 6pm - Rise, Bristol

Friday 19th @ 6pm - Monorail, Glasgow

Saturday 20th @ 4pm - The Music Exchange, Nottingham

Sunday 21st @ 12pm - Rough Trade East, London