Autechre - Anti EP

A pretty essential release if you're a fan of Autechre's Amber album. The Anti EP contains 3 tracks that were created around the same time Amber was being recorded. Apparently this EP was created to basically spit in the faces of those who didn't agree with group gatherings where people listened to music with repetetive beats. Lost and Djarum (which by the way has a sound in it that closely resembles their song "Montreal" from the Amber album. This track could possibly be an inspiration for that track) contain the typical Autechre Repetetive beats, while Flutter is a more spaced out, ambient piece.

Pretty damn good EP. Unlike Garbage, this EP was completely new music (Garbage was an EP with tracks that didn't make the final cut for the Amber album). While I do enjoy all 3 tracks on here, I think track 3, Flutter is my favorite. Very dreamy and soothing. A definite must buy if you're a fan of Autechre's Amber era music.

The 'Ambient Soho' shop had just closed, damn we were too late and already bags half full of cakes from other shops in the area but the little Indian girl owner felt we weren't from the U.K. or something ... She was still in the shop with the long bold clerk and two other clients hanging. She came back at the door and let us in, closing back directly after us. What was currently playing there was so amazing, that I stared at the clerk and asked directly for that record. He told me 'No', I felt like falling down in the abyss, 'I can't sell it, it's not out yet, it's a test-pressing'. I insisted as I found that track so great 'I need it now, I know white labels, I buy lots of these, this one is fantastic, I can't leave without it, please, I'll pay you 3 times or your price, whatever'. 'I'm really sorry, I can't do that'. 'Well I'll have to wait until it's out then, test or not it has to be' I concluded, then asked 'Who did this?' (I didn't recognised directly Autechre's music, even if I had previous cakes from them) and while I was totally under the sonic effect of this piece the guy at the turntable pointed me at these two guys in the shop 'They did it' and my all space travelling mate 'Eiffel' gave the duo our little label contact card. 'Ow! These are the guys from the blue record' he told, pointing the logo to his companion: 'Aah! yeah.'. 'What does he said?' asked Eiffel to me, 'They know our records' This is Rob and Sean ... I returned on the continent without that yet unreleased Anti EP but we had unforgettable good time at Megatripolis where I got tuned for too long into a Californian VJ software named Bliss. Back home I urgently broke up the seal, as an opposition to the Criminal Justice Bill and of course because I could not wait any longer to listen to that new Autechre. Each records brings his memories ... memories can't wait.

Yet another highly accessible Autechre release. "Lost" and "Flutter" are the highlights here. Both tracks use Autechre's complex breakbeats and deep, quirky synths to transport you to an eerily beautiful alien landscape.

In order to subvert the Criminal Justice Bill, Sean and Rob make it so no two consecutive measures in "Flutter" have the same beat. One wouldn't expect a good song to arise from such an absurd premise, but "Flutter" is surprisingly easy to keep up with, not to mention deeply emotional. This EP might be gimmicky, but the music on it is great so who cares.

Some have criticized this EP as a novelty, not essential Autechre listening.
I disagree, and think this release is one of the defining releases in Autechre's discography. Autechre has always been known for experimental, forward-thinking and original programming, and their production of the third track on this EP is about as good an example of the above qualities as I've heard in the electronic music genre.
As indicated by the liner notes, Flutter is not repetitive. Rather than approaching the production of non-repetitive dance music as a constraint, it seems as though Autechre took it as an opportunity to create an extremely intricate, complex masterpiece. Listening to it is a pleasure, and it's fun to try to keep pace with the structure in your head (good luck). I'm not so sure it would make the best dance track though!
And the other two tracks aren't bad either; I especially like Djarum. If you see it, pick it up!

Anti EP was meant to be a protest against the 'Criminal Justice Bill', which outlawed gatherings where music with repetitive beats were played (an anti "rave" bill). The cover features a sticker with this text:

"Warning: Lots and Djarum contain repetitive beats. We advise you not to play these tracks. If the Criminal Justice Bill becomes law. Flutter has been programmed in such a way that no bars contain identical beats and can therefore be played at 45 or 33 revolutions under the proposed law. Howeve we advise DJs to have a lawyer and musicologist present at all times to confirm the non repetitive of the music in the event of police harrasment.

Important:
By breaking this seal, you accept full responsibilty for any consequential action resulting from the products use, as playing the music contained within these recordings may be interpreted as oppostion to the Criminal Justice and Public Order Bill."

I love this release. It was the first Autechre I ever bought. At the time(1994?), I was totally into acid, 4/4 stompers and very "traditional" detroit. I played this and was blown away. Opened my eyes.