Autechre: Quaristice

Copy at Case Memorial Library
Jon Pareles wrote in the New York Times: "Autechre pumped out colossal dance beats throughout its set at the Music Hall of Williamsburg on Tuesday night. It didn’t have to. Over its 15-year recording career, Autechre, the electronica duo of Rob Brown and Sean Booth, has moved from steady, propulsive techno toward more abstract rhythms and textures, building an audience of fans who don’t mind standing still (or wearing earphones) as they listen. Most of Autechre’s latest album, 'Quaristice' (Warp), is far too cerebral for a typical club D.J. set; the music often splinters the beat or omits it entirely. But Autechre hasn’t forgotten how to make a crowd move and shout, and it does that on its own terms. Its hourlong set … was crammed with ideas. … There were bits of melody and a few hummable bass lines, yet Autechre has little use for tunes. … Autechre’s soundscape is crowded and discordant, determinedly antipop. But before and after Autechre, a D.J. playing more typical techno sounded drab and repetitive. Autechre’s drive, variety and relentless inventiveness were pleasures of their own" (4/19/08).