Autechre

Formed: 1987
Location: Rochdale, Manchester, England
Genre: IDM
Years Active: 1991 -
Meaning of the Name: Came from randomly bashing a keyboard.
Core Members: Sean Booth, Robert Brown
Way of Working: Collaborative

Essential Releases

Tri repetae (1995)

Ominous rhythms of a future imperfect.

Garbage EP (1995)

Cold and unsettling machine music.

LP5 (1998)

Electric dreams.

Confield (2001)

Cruising the outer edges of experimental.

Autechre began as two young lads from Manchester experimenting on the outer edges of sound. They stripped music to its constituent parts of rhythm, pitch, texture, and form and innovatively reconstructed it into what would become a new sub-genre of dance music known as IDM (Intelligent Dance Music).

They were like mechanics reverse-engineering a highly sophisticated machine, but instead of wrenches and bolts, they used pitch-shifting and drum patterns to create an ominous sound that was unsettling and unfamiliar. It didn't seem human. Indeed, their first tracks were released on a compilation appropriately titled Artificial Intelligence.

Autechre became heroes to many in the rave community after the British government declared war on dance music with the 'Criminal Justice and Public Order Act (1994)'. The new laws gave police the power to shut down raves, or as they described it, "outdoor events with repetitive beats." In response, Autechre released 'Flutter', a track that specifically modified each individual breakbeat to successfully to avoid the ban.

Skills

*This is a work in progress. Values are subjective.

Emotional Impact

i Does it connect with the heart? What does it make you feel and how much of it?

50

Mental Impact

i Does it connect with the head? Social issues, interesting observations, clever lyrics, similies etc.

90

Originality

i Are they unique? Did they break new ground, use new techniques or create new genres.

100

Artistry

i Using creativity and imagination to present themselves in a unique way. Example, Wu-Tang Clan as Shaolin and Marvel characters etc.

65

Authenticity

i Do they really mean what they say? Is it autobiographical, personal?

10

Live

i Stage presence, working the crowd, performance. Miming, forgetting lyrics reduce this.

70

Production

i Studio techniques. More important for electronic music including hip hop.

95

Musicianship

i Their ability to play individually and as a group. Technical skills. DJing. Freestyling for hip hop.

50

Texture

i Technical attributes.

90

Songwriting

i Storytelling. Cohesive themes. Is the song about something? Stan by Eminem is an example of excellent songwriting.

25

Danceability

i Does it make you move? Do you tap your foot, nod your head or move your whole body?

70

Fun

i Is listening to it a good time? Are the lyrics funny? Depressing themes lowers value.

45

Consistency

i Have they put out good music across their careers. Two good albums and 5 band ones will reduce this value.

65

Range

i Fast, slow, ballads, party jams. Do they go beyond their own genre?

40

Cool

i Laid-back, icy detachment, unflustered.

80

Charisma

i Factors include appearance, force of personality. Elvis making people faint etc.

55

Commercial & Critical Success

Awards

Certifications

Charts

Critics >>>

• Fact Magazine - Incunabula (1993) - Best Albums of the 90s: 11th
• Pitchfork - LP5 (1998) - Best IDM Albums of All Time: 7th
• Pitchfork - Tri repetae (1995) - Best IDM Albums of All Time: 3rd

CRITICISM

• Some fans label their later work too cerebral to be truly enjoyed. They find it boring and repetitive when compared to their earlier efforts.

Similar Acts

• Aphex Twin
• Squarepusher
• Richard Devine
• Venetian Snares
• Future Sounds of London

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