Review Summary: Nothing new, but nothing changed either.
Anyone that is a fan of Aphex Twin knows that he has numerous side projects/monikers such as Polygon Window, AFX, and the rather unknown ‘Power-Pill.’ But for the most part, they are all regulated as the same genre Aphex Twin is, which is IDM and techno. While most of his collection of side projects aren’t exactly distinguishable because of the vastly similar electronic category, all of them are a good addition to Aphex Twin’s picture. Polygon Window is an excellent side project by the man of many faces and his ‘Surfing on Sine Waves’ is another great attempt put forward, but it’s nothing revolutionary compared to Aphex Twin’s past.
Take a look at Aphex Twin’s ‘Ambient Works’ for a second. Those were the albums that have (to this day) influenced modern Ambient, and made an enormous shootout on Electronic Dance Music as a whole (along with many other artists such as Brian Eno and Biosphere). These were the two brilliantly crafted albums that gave Aphex Twin so much popularity, and have crafted his prize. But unfortunately, 'Surfing on Sine Waves’ hasn’t earned the milestones that the previous albums achieved, and probably never will. Even though ‘Surfing on Sine Waves’ isn’t the best thing he has offered, it’s still a nice attachment to cast onto your collection of the many faces of Aphex Twin.
Nevertheless, ‘Surfing on Sine Waves’ progresses smoothly. It’s (to its greatest extent) relaxing IDM placed in with some heavy ambient textures added onto filthy techno motivated basslines. These three genres each mingle at their own pace, and claim their spot as the tunes branch out. The songs are occasionally complete polar opposites. ‘Quoth’ is a fierce techno rave centered around a pulsating gabber kick, where as ‘If It Really Is Me’ commutes an incredible deep atmosphere targeted mainly from a bright synthesizer. ‘Supremecy II’ is a highly energetic themed song, with its rhythm both fast-paced and abrasive. ‘Audax Power’ isn’t really my favorite off this release, but still has an ambient loop that is perfect for glancing up at the sky with.
In any case, this is still a reasonable effort delivered by Polygon Window, but just doesn’t share a true partnership between the Ambient Works. This is definitely a smooth ride and captures a great momentum, but it's nothing worth the pleasure of venturing back and forth with.
