\"If you've been introduced to Tom Jenkinson through more recent Squarepusher outings (\"Maximum Priest,\" \"Budakhan Mindphone,\" or \"Music is Rotted One Note\"), then you may want to sit down for \"Chaos A.D.\" Whether you like his new style or not, this is at the opposite end of the spectrum. No pseudo-jazzy noodling or abstract noise experiments here; this disc hammers you with raw beats from start to finish with (almost) no interruptions.
\"Thin Life\" and \"Mess Head\" set that tone early, but the real meat is in \"Mind War Electro,\" which sounds just like it's title, and \"Dreaded Pestilence,\" which will make your teeth bleed if you listen to it too loud. Imagine a horde of radioactive insects eating away at your skull and you'll have nailed the mood of the latter track.
There are a couple of short breathers, and good ones too; the best being \"Psultan.\" This one does sound like Squarepusher of old, and again lays down hard evidence of Tom's melodic sensibilities.
If you can find it, pick up the Buzz Caner remix EP (on vinyl only) for the fabulous Squarepusher remix of \"Psultan,\" if nothing else. Why the rest of that EP is made up of three mixes of \"Bioslate,\" maybe the least interesting track on BC, is beyond me. Still, a good complement to this album.
If you've heard much Aphex, then maybe this will help as a point of reference. \"Classics\" is to \"I Care Because You Do\" as \"Buzz Caner\" is to \"Hard Normal Daddy.\" It's raw, abrasive, and well worth your $15. \"
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for \"fair use\" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. I do not own nor have the rights of the making of this album. All tracks belong to Chaos A.D. (Squarepusher/Tom Jenkinson) and Rephlex Records.
