Twin’s ‘Works’ challenging but rewarding

Spencer Patterson

Friday, March 26, 2004 | 8:21 a.m.

Warning: Aphex Twin's "Selected Ambient Works Volume II" will break up your party in a hurry.

You'll also want to leave it at home when driving, assuming you prefer not to fall asleep at the wheel.

As its title suggests, Aphex Twin's 1994 two-disc masterwork is an unusual listening experience, one that requires an open mind and a little patience.

The sprawling 150-minute set collects 34 electronic soundscapes crafted by British producer Richard D. James (aka Aphex Twin) in the months after the release of 1993's "Selected Ambient Works 85-92."

Where its predecessor -- and most of Aphex Twin's other recordings -- are rooted in the thumping beats of ambient techno, "Volume II" features ambience in a truer sense.

Many of its tracks are intensely minimal, built around simple, repeated musical fragments. Despite varying only slightly from those core ideas, most of the pieces evoke considerable emotion, be it a sense of serenity, anticipation or even dread.

There are no lyrics, and virtually no danceable beats. "Volume II" unfolds with each spin, revealing previously unnoticed treasures to those willing to hunker down and concentrate.

You might say the music falls somewhere between the trippier side of new age and the spacier side of drone bands such as Mogwai and Sigur Ros.

All tracks are technically untitled, though names such as "Cliffs" and "Rhubarb" have been unofficially assigned to most by fans, based on corresponding artwork in the disc's liner notes.

Approached as a whole, "Volume II" can be rather intimidating initially. But it can easily be approached a few cuts at a time, and priced modestly for under $20, the overall package is well worth the money.

Ideal accompaniment while reading on a lazy day, the set also makes for interesting sleeping music. Be prepared for some rather strange dreams, however, as your subconscious takes you on one of music's strangest but most excellent journeys.

Artist: Aphex Twin.

Title: "Selected Ambient Works Volume II."

Year of release: 1994 (Sire Records).

Tracklisting: All 23 tracks are untitled.