Proper reissue of Autechre's debut full length! Originally released in 1993, Incunabula would be the first of many outings on the influential Warp imprint from Rob Brown and Sean Booth, and a true classic of modern electronic music. Here the UK duo lay the groundwork for their ever-evolving sound - a style that combines moody electronics with UK techno and electro - spawning a distinct strain of IDM. According to Brown, the album is something of a compilation of early works (the 1994 follow-up Amber being their first proper "album"), but you can already hear the seed of the Autechre aesthetic. Take the 8 minute journey of "Bike" that pairs atmospheric synth work over a bullet-proof electro rhythm, the funky-yet-cavernous groove of "Autriche," or the intricate drum programming on "Basscadet" that might give label-mate RDJ a run for his money. An excellent starting point for anyone new to Autechre's catalog as it is a bit more palatable and relatively chill compared to increasingly more experimental albums further down the road. Also worth noting, this has been out of print on vinyl for over 15 years, so this identical repress (The Designers Republic on cover duties) is more than welcome. Essential listening, highly recommended.

• double vinyl repress
• gatefold sleeve
• includes digital download for Incunabula & bonus live set AE_LIVE_GRAFENHAINICHEN_170715
• music label: Warp Records 2016

reviewed by 9D-BB 01/2017