1991

This is an Autechre release from 1994 named Anti EP. It contains 3 songs, the final one being ‘Flutter’ which was designed to circumvent the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act of 1994.

This was because it contained no bars with identical beats & so could be played at both 33rpm & 45rpm. Due to this it couldn’t be classified as repetitive & technically wouldn’t be illegal under the new law. The other 2 tracks (Djarum & Lost), both had repetitive beats & so would be illegal to play at a gathering of people.

This all comes down to the proposed Criminal Justice Act of 1994 – it would prohibit raves (described as gatherings where music is played), with “music” being defined as a “succession of repetitive beats.”

When the Anti EP was released, Autechre had a sticker placed on the LP which sealed it. On the sticker read as follows:

Warning. Lost and Djarum contain repetitive beats.
We advise you not to play these tracks if the Criminal Justice Bill becomes law.

Flutter has been programmed in such a way that no bars contain identical beats and can therefore be played at both forty five and thirty three revolutions under the proposed new law.

However we advise DJs to have a lawyer and musicologist present at all times to confirm the non repetitive nature of the music in the event of police harrassment.

Important.
By breaking this seal, you accept full responsibilty for any consequential action resulting from the product’s use, as playing the music contained within these recordings may be interpreted as oppostion to the Criminal Justice and Public Order Bill.

On the back of the sticker is a declaration that all profits will be donated to ‘Liberty’ (an NGO promoting civil liberties).

This ends with a statement stating that ‘Autechre is politically non-aligned. This is about personal freedom’.

If you’ve never heard ‘Flutter’ or don’t have it anymore, do yourself a favour & download here –

http://www.mediafire.com/?z1dwqzgwnzd83sn

One of the most intricate electronic compositions you’ll ever hear & it’s from 1994. Pure genius.