Aphex Twin Drops 'Music From The Merch Desk' Compilation LP
Collecting a series of unreleased projects secretly distributed at his merch stands from 2016 to 2023.
Legendary and elusive electronic artist Aphex Twin has dropped an unexpected compilation album simply titled Music From The Merch Desk. Arriving on streaming platforms today, the release combines a series of lesser-known projects sold as limited-run vinyl records at a selection of shows between 2016 and 2023.
For many years Aphex Twin has kept up an irregular rhythm of drops, with surprise releases hitting streaming services without warning. The artist’s latest project appeared on November 19, 2024, under the title Blackbox Life Recorder 21f, including “zin2 test5” and “in a room7 F760.”
The tracklist shows that Music From The Merch Desk features songs distributed at shows in Houston, Barcelona, and Manchester, but most of all from London. The cover art appears to be a parody of bootleg concert merchandise depicting a collage of the artist’s many faces surrounded by flames and a golden-clad title.
The surprise project follows up on the 30th-anniversary reissue of the 1994 Selected Ambient Works 85-92 compilation, celebrated at London’s Tate Modern Gallery on October 25.
Music From The Merch Desk is out on all streaming platforms now, and as of the time of writing, a physical release has yet to be announced. Listen to the new compilation below.
