Similar to the
Analord EP series, 2016's
Cheetah contains some of
Richard D. James' most stripped-down techno tracks. Nearly everything here sticks to a steady midtempo, and the tracks generally take their time developing, subtly adding new elements rather than excitedly jumping from one point to another. Other than the CD bonus track (remember those?) "2X202-ST5," all of the tracks feature some permutation of either "CHEETAH" or "CIRKLON" in the title, and while they're basic enough on the surface to be variations on the same themes, there's enough going on to separate the compositions.
James' playful sense of humor is reflected by the video for "CIRKLON3." The clip was directed by 12-year-old
Ryan Wyer, and it features a group of children ecstatically dancing while wearing
Aphex T-shirts and masks. The EP's highlight is "CIRKLON 1," which features more detailed drum rolls flurrying up from time to time, as well as a nice melody that recalls a more subdued take on '80s Italo-disco or freestyle. "2X202-ST5" features a slowly expanding grimy bassline surrounded by a slightly queasy melody and a basic rhythm of kicks, snares, and claps. ~ Paul Simpson
