On Acoustica, new music ensemble Alarm Will Sound performs acoustic versions of music by Richard James, also known as Aphex Twin. Electronica fans may wonder how this can possibly work, while contemporary classical listeners may sniff about another crossover recording, but the CD is actually an engaging and effective project.

The key to this is the recording's imaginative arrangements, most made by members of the ensemble. "Cock/Ver 10," arranged by Stefan Freund, is a muscular deployment of the full band. "Logon Rock Witch," arranged by Jonathan Newman, burbles with muted excitement. John Orfe and Payton MacDonald turn "Mt. Saint Michel" into a funky romp for low winds and even lower piano notes. Composer Dennis DeSantis makes a punchy remix of Caleb Burhans' arrangement of "Cliffs." A remix of an acoustic rearrangement of an electronica piece seems like an odd situation, but it makes sense in this context.

Do I want new music ensembles to turn to transcriptions of popular music as a regular part of their programming? Not in the least; but Alarm Will Sound shows new and vibrant facets of Aphex Twin's music on Acoustica, suggesting that this type of crossover is well worth occasional exploration. - Christian Carey