IF YOU MUST OWN ONE AUTECHRE RECORD, THIS IS IT. Preceded by Incunabula, the duo's debut album which was curated as the seventh entry in Warp's influential Artificial Intelligence series alongside albums by Richard D. James, Speedy J, B12, The Black Dog and two eponymous compilations. The series was Warp's grandiose attempt to re-contextualize "techno" as intelligent, chin-stroking music for armchairs, and Amber was a chance for Rob Brown & Sean Booth to break from those constraints. The resulting album is much warmer than Incunabula (just compare the two sleeves). The sinister atmosphere of "Foil" and "Silverside" foreshadow their later work while "Nine" & "Yulquen" are both warm and beatless in a way that is virtually absent from subsequent albums. "Slip" and "Glitch" are a perfect one-two punch of teched-out, ass-shaking bubblers that make strong candidates for the best two tracks in Autechre's vast catalog. Amber is a perfect point of entry for anyone new to the group and their daunting discography. Double vinyl edition with gatefold sleeve and download code, recommended.

• black double vinyl pressing
• gatefold sleeve
• includes digital download for Amber plus bonus live material
• music label: Warp Records 2016

reviewed by peanut dust 01/2017