Is Cheetah a good place to start with Aphex Twin?

Yes, Cheetah is recommended as a starting point for new Aphex Twin listeners. A rhythmic exploration of intricate textures and hypnotic beats, embodying the avant-garde spirit of electronic music. At the time of its release, Aphex Twin was coming off a period of relative quiet since his last studio album, 'Syro,' in 2014. 'Cheetah' serves as a follow-up EP that showcases his continued evolution in sound while retaining his signature experimental edge. The release marked a return to form for the artist, reestablishing him within the contemporary electronic landscape.

Cheetah works well if you're into hypnotic rhythms for deep focus, short bursts of intricate textures and immersive soundscapes for exploration.

How many songs are on Cheetah?

Cheetah has 7 tracks, running approximately 33 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Cheetah

Aphex Twin · 2016

33 min · 7 tracks · electronic music

A rhythmic exploration of intricate textures and hypnotic beats, embodying the avant-garde spirit of electronic music.

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Top tracks — play these first

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CIRKLON3 [Колхозная mix] — This track exemplifies Aphex Twin's mastery of blending complex rhythms with melodic elements, creating an immersive listening experience that draws the listener into its layered soundscape.
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CHEETAHT2 [Ld spectrum] Start here — With its pulsating basslines and intricate synth patterns, this track encapsulates the EP's exploratory spirit, showcasing Aphex Twin's ability to push the boundaries of electronic music.
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CIRKLON1 — Combining hypnotic beats with an unexpected structure, this track highlights Aphex Twin's innovative approach to rhythm and melody, contributing to the EP's overall cohesion and energy.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

Intricate textures and evolving rhythms define this EP, showcasing Aphex Twin's continued exploration in electronic music.

What we noticed

The EP features a consistent use of intricate, layered textures that create a dense sonic landscape throughout its seven tracks.
The final track concludes with a gradual fade-out, allowing the listener to absorb the complex sounds before the end.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

hypnotic rhythms for deep focus
short bursts of intricate textures
immersive soundscapes for exploration
dynamic shifts in pacing

Maybe skip if you

seeking straightforward melodic hooks
prefer longer, consistent tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Showcases a deliberate evolution in sound with intricate textures and beats.
Themes: hypnotic rhythms· ambient textures· post-2000 electronic revival
Career context: At the time of its release, Aphex Twin was coming off a period of relative quiet since his last studio album, 'Syro,' in 2014. 'Cheetah' serves as a follow-up EP that showcases his continued evolution in sound while retaining his signature experimental edge. The release marked a return to form for the artist, reestablishing him within the contemporary electronic landscape.
Stylistic neighbors: Squarepusher· Boards of Canada· Venetian Snares