Leading up to the disappointing Chiastic Slide album, Autechre's Envane EP was more or less a deceptive release that hinted of a low, cold rumble of a full-length that never truly appeared. The group attempt four interpretations on a similar theme; this time trying to bring into fruition cut-up hip-hop beats and looped mini-rhythms that feed off of each other instead of constantly going against one another's grain. Tracks like "Laughing Quarter" is a relatively danceable onslaught of clever synth arrangements and lightning flares whereas "Goz Quarter" seems to slice staticy patter with blades of melancholic breakbeats. Autechre usually succeeds more in the remix or EP environment, and Envane goes some way to prove that. Such an EP is not a leap forward, but an awfully interesting side step. — Dean Carlson
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