What does Syro sound like?

A kaleidoscopic blend of intricate beats and ethereal textures that defy genre boundaries. Rooted in techno and ambient. Start with "minipops 67 (source field mix)".

Is Syro a good place to start with Aphex Twin?

Yes, Syro is recommended as a starting point for new Aphex Twin listeners. A kaleidoscopic blend of intricate beats and ethereal textures that defy genre boundaries. Released in 2014, Syro was Aphex Twin's first studio album in over a decade, following the 2001 release of Drukqs. This album marked a significant return for Richard D. James, asserting his continued relevance in the electronic music scene after years of speculation regarding his retirement.

Syro works well if you're into kaleidoscopic rhythm exploration, dynamic peaks and valleys and intricate sound detail hunting.

How many songs are on Syro?

Syro has 12 tracks, running approximately 64 minutes.

Syro

Aphex Twin · 2014

64 min · 12 tracks · electronic music

A kaleidoscopic blend of intricate beats and ethereal textures that defy genre boundaries.

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Top tracks — play these first

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minipops 67 (source field mix) Start here — This track opens the album with playful rhythms and glitchy textures, showcasing Aphex Twin's ability to fuse melodic elements with complex beat structures.
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XMAS_EVET10 (thanaton3 mix) — A sprawling ten-minute journey, this track exemplifies the atmospheric depth and detail characteristic of James's work, blending ambient soundscapes with intricate percussion.
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CIRCLONT6A (syrobonkus mix) — With its hypnotic loops and evolving motifs, this track captures the essence of Aphex Twin's experimental style while remaining accessible to listeners.
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aisatsana — A poignant closing piece, it strips back the complexity for an introspective piano composition, demonstrating James's versatility as both a producer and musician.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

81 /100

Summit

Higher than 100% of albums we've rated

Syro showcases innovative production and intricate compositions that push the boundaries of electronic music.

What we noticed

Each track employs a wide range of synthesized sounds and textures, often layering multiple elements to build intricate soundscapes.
Several tracks incorporate abrupt transitions and unexpected sonic shifts, challenging traditional song structures.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

kaleidoscopic rhythm exploration
dynamic peaks and valleys
intricate sound detail hunting
thoughtful headphone immersion

Maybe skip if you

seeking straightforward song structures
prefer quick, catchy tunes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Marked Aphex Twin's return after a long hiatus, gaining significant acclaim and recognition.
Themes: nostalgic soundscapes· post-90s electronic revival· immersive sonic experimentation
Moods: Intense· Dreamy
Career context: Released in 2014, Syro was Aphex Twin's first studio album in over a decade, following the 2001 release of Drukqs. This album marked a significant return for Richard D. James, asserting his continued relevance in the electronic music scene after years of speculation regarding his retirement.
Stylistic neighbors: Squarepusher· Boards of Canada· Venetian Snares