Aphex Twin has once again surprised fans with an unexpected drop, releasing two brand-new tracks on SoundCloud on November 27. Known for his unconventional approach and spontaneous online activity, the electronic pioneer shared a pair of uploads titled “Zahl am1 live track 1” and “Zahl am1 live track 1c f760m1 unfinshd.” The surprise release quickly captured the attention of longtime listeners, who are accustomed to Aphex Twin’s unpredictable and often cryptic digital presence.
The two tracks appear to be closely linked. Both share not only similar names but also a central piano loop that runs through each version. This suggests they are alternate takes of the same piece, each offering a different window into Aphex Twin’s creative process.
The first upload, “Zahl am1 live track 1,” is labelled simply as an “ambient mix.” This version presents the piano theme in a soft, atmospheric form, creating a reflective tone that recalls some of Aphex Twin’s more serene and melodic work.
The second version, “Zahl am1 live track 1c f760m1 unfinshd,” takes the idea in a different direction. Here, the ambient base is accompanied by rolling breakbeats and scattered hi-hats, giving the track a more energetic, rhythmic edge. The title’s “unfinshd” tag hints at the rough, experimental nature of the upload—something fans often appreciate, as it offers a glimpse into works-in-progress straight from the artist’s archives.
In the caption for this second version, Aphex Twin—real name Richard D. James—wrote: “Got many requests for this one from a few years back.” This suggests that the track may have been teased or played in past live sets, making its official online release a long-awaited moment for fans.
He also added some personal context, noting that the photo accompanying the uploads was taken in Italy “with my love from Scilly recently… need sun… relentlessly raining in UK…” James went on to reveal that the track was “mixed down on the zahl,” and hinted that additional versions may exist: “Think there’s better mixes, will upload if I find ’em.”
This candid, conversational caption stands in contrast to the brief description attached to the ambient mix, which simply reads: “ambient mix.” The simplicity fits Aphex Twin’s long-running pattern of blending mystery with sudden transparency, offering occasional insights into his process while keeping much of his creative world enigmatic.
The new uploads arrive at a busy time for the artist. Fans are already anticipating the extended reissue of his Polygon Window project, which continues to build excitement around his past and future work. While Aphex Twin is known for long stretches of quiet followed by bursts of activity, these new releases remind listeners that he remains as unpredictable and inventive as ever.
Both “Zahl am1 live track 1” and “Zahl am1 live track 1c f760m1 unfinshd” are available to stream now, giving fans another fascinating look into one of electronic music’s most influential and innovative creators.
