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Tuesday, 06 December 2005 07:33

One would think Jenkinson’s live recordings would not stray all that far from his studio sessions, but this is not so.

Squarepusher’s newest release on Warp, Do You Know Squarepusher, introduces us to more of the mathematical drum ’n’ bass odyssey that is Tom Jenkinson. Markedly sounding like Aphex Twin (both debuted on the EFA label after all) and very much the same as Jenkinson’s previous work, you’ll find nothing revolutionary here. However, this album does offer a few perks.

This two-disc set includes seven new tracks featuring homage to Joy Division with a cover (Jenkinson’s first ever) of “Love Will Tear Us Apart” on disc one. Anstromm-Feck 4 has its moments, but Ian Curtis’s swan song makes it listenable over the rest of the tracks. That being said, his rendition is a surprising one. Rather than adding his unique musique concrète spin, Jenkinson is straightforward, reverent and, note for note, follows the original.

On disc two, you’ll find a live performance recorded in Japan in July of last year. One would think Jenkinson’s live recordings would not stray all that far from his studio sessions, but this is not so. For those who haven’t experienced Squarepusher live, it’s definitely worth a listen (although beware the poor sound quality and his occasional good-natured heckling of the audience). The packaging, in simple black and white, has iconography reminiscent of Designer’s Republic’s work on Playstation’s “Wipeout III” (certainly, it works well as a soundtrack to any racing sim). Much like its cover denotes, it’s signature Squarepusher: you will either love it or hate it (in the case of the latter, I strongly suggest skipping “Kill Robok”).