AFX* - Analogue Bubblebath Vol. 3.1

This is a well-meaning entry in the AB series; it's meant to be a companion to AB3 on vinyl, as all but one of this EP's tracks appear on the expanded CD. In that respect, it works well. The opening track isn't a great starter, though; it's quite boring and repetitive. The next track, though, is an improvement; while it feels like a re-tooled version of COME ON YOU SLAGS! from I Care Because You Do, as it runs at the same speed and ends just as abruptly, it's catchy enough to work.

After the sound of a bathtub draining, we are treated to an ambient track similar to something from SAW1. This track works in the way that SAW1 worked-- the melodies are lush, the beat simple, and the effect long-lasting. After a locked groove comes modulated voices talking about most vulgar things. This is a highly unusual track (anyone who's heard it knows), and it may or may not shock you in the way that South Park shocks people-- crude, juvenile, and hilarious.

Overall, AB 3.1 is a good companion piece to AB3, but it also works well on its own. It's not exactly Analord 03, but it's worth a listen.

All four of the songs on the AB3.1 EP are included on the CD re-release of AB3. A couple of mellower tracks, a couple of uptempo tracks. Nice EP. Track five however(the third track on side B, the one after the lock groove)is still exclusive to this EP I believe. It's Rich (or someone, there are other people heard in the backgroung as well) talking about smelly cunts, feces/shit on the microphone and things being recorded at a high rate. It contains no music and as such can be played at any speed, although I believe it is supposed to be played at 45rpm. Also, I just noticed that the girl/boy figures from the labels of this 12" are what's on the sticker for the recent double 12" re-re-release of AB3.