Suffering Jukebox

This morning's episode features an interview with Eric Bachmann. Known for his work with Archers Of Loaf, Crooked Fingers and solo, Bachmann has resurrected the Crooked Fingers moniker for their first album in fifteen years, Swet Deth, released by Merge Records on Friday February 27th, 2026.

Nick's Pick of the Week is Shane Parish's Autechre Guitar, which was released on Friday February 27th. You can hear it in all the usual places, or purchase it here; https://shaneparish.bandcamp.com/album/autechre-guitar-2 and my review can be read below.

Shane Parish: Autechre Guitar (Palialia Records)

Released February 27th 2026

“This record shouldn’t, strictly speaking, be possible at all.” Thus begins the press-release for Athens, Georgia based guitarist Shane Parish’s latest record, Autechre Guitar. Released through Bill Orcutt’s label, Palilalia Records, Autechre Guitar contains exactly what the title suggests, ten compositions by the UK electronic group Autechre, transposed and performed on guitar.

Autechre Guitar is an astonishing feat and an album that contains moments of both complex beauty and simple pleasure. A labour of love, with its origins dating back almost a quarter century, Parish came to Autechre’s music through his partner, Courtney Chappell. Recognising a unique challenge, in 2004 he composed his first rendition of Slip, but it wasn’t until completing his 2024 album Repertoire, which contained covers of Aphex Twin and Kraftwerk, that the potential for a more expansive and dedicated collection of songs became apparent.

The tracks that comprise Autechre Guitar are drawn solely from duo’s first five years of existence, namely the albums, Incunabula (1993), Amber (1994), Tri Repetae (1995), Chiastic Slide (1997) and (1998’s) LP5. In interviews, Parish has indicated an interest in attacking the group’s later period in follow-up releases, but —given the time required to complete this volume— those anticipating a sequel will be need to be patient.

Generally, when considering the merits of an album of covers, one would compare them with the originals. In this instance, however, the differences are as stark night and day, making any attempt (at best) unfair and (at worst) impossible. What can be said is that Parish truly “gets” the material he is sourcing from, creating interpretations that —whilst radically different— contain the essence and spirit of the originals.

On Eggshell, Parish masters the art of multiple melodies that slip, slide and snake within and without of each other to create something truly unique and beautiful. With Yulquen, the background hum of the original is recreated through the rhythmic thrum of a palm mute, whilst the ambience of Slip is achieved through perfectly placed arpeggios. These are just three highlights across an album that, more or less, contains no low-points, a record of constant surprises and subtle shocks that holds your attention from beginning to end.

Concept album’s don’t come much stranger than Autechre Guitar, but through persistence and patience Parish has created a record full of astounding individuality and daring elegance. Far more than just being an LP of guitar music for electronic fans, this is something completely different, a bridge between sonic worlds and a link between two —often opposing— schools of musical thought. Open your mind, suspend your expectations and enjoy the ride.

Nick Stephan