Exai vinyl

Autechre has always divided opinion. There are those who consider them geniuses; mavericks who make out-there computer music that simultaneously sounds like a riot in a steelworks, and an argument onboard the International Space Station. Others are less kind, but then their particular brand of crunchy IDM and leftfield electronica is undoubtedly an acquired taste. Exai, their 11th album, stretches out over two CDs. As ever, it packs in a lot of ideas, a swathe of mentalist rhythms and a boatload of curious noises. At times it's strangely calming, at others like being smashed round the chops with a metal bar. Those who enjoy their work - and we certainly do -will find much to enjoy amongst Exai's sprawling, feature-length presentation.