Reverb.com “Selected Ambient Works II” Article

In 2019 I was asked by the folks over at Reverb.com to write a guest article covering the sounds of Aphex Twin’s Selected Ambient Works II, as a celebration of its 25th anniversary. Aphex Twin’s second album, and his first with Warp records, was a big departure from his debut album, featuring less techno beats and delving into dark ambient territory. Some tracks highlighted his melodic songwriting style, and others formed a more “environmental ambient” approach reminiscent of Brian Eno’s work.

I recreated some of my favourite songs from the album using Arturia Prophet V with lo-fi tape delays from Soundtoys EchoBoy and warm, modulated reverbs from Valhalla VintageVerb. The article includes mini-remakes and sound design walkthroughs of Blue Calx, Cliffs, Grass, Lichen and Rhubarb, and the Prophet V patches are available to download from Reverb.com.