Etched Stainless CD Case Wins Design Award

‘Quaristice’ is the latest album release from electronic music group Autechre and the group’s ninth album on Warp Records, a label known for its pioneering electronics music artists.

The album was initially made available for download but it received a physical release on March 3, 2008… with a difference and what is thought to be a first in the UK music industry.

The 20 track album was released as a special limited edition with alternative versions of 11 tracks included on a second 68 minute CD… all encased in photo etched, stainless steel case.

The album artwork was created by the Designers Republic and the case itself was photo etched from annealed, 304 stainless steel by Chempix (the decorative division of Precision Micro), the Birmingham based etching specialists, The cases then received a low tack poly coating on both sides and made available to the record company in a matter of days.

“Photo etching gave a safe, burr-free finish to the sharp case design,” said James Burton of Warp Records. “It really provided this much heralded, limited edition album with yet another mark of distinction.”

The release was limited to 1000 copies and sold out within 12 hours of being announced, just in time for the group’s live promotional tour .

In April 2009, the albums artwork and packaging was selected as 'Best in Book' in the coveted Creative Review ' The Annual 2009'.

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