Ballistic Delusions At Juno Download

Review: Delusions go against the grain with the third Ballistic release. Unlike the majority of tunnelling techno, this is harsh and visceral, with screeching riffs and concrete beats laying the bassis for "Death Tree". Needless to say, Ancient Methods deliver an intense take on "Tree", with blasts of dark noise and panel-beating riffs complementing an upfront but curiously supple metallic rhythm. "Illusions" is more esoteric, as eerie soundscapes and a man speaking in German about 'identity' float in over austere broken beats. Fanon Flowers's take on "Illusions" is less upfront than usual, with heavy claps and a dubby bassline supporting a lurching rhythm.

Review: This split EP serves up a wide range of techno sounds and explores some unexpected areas. The aptly name "Dark Blue" is a melancholic affair, its sad electronic melodies building over a shuffling, stepping rhythm. It's a glorious piece of introspective electronic music. Ballistic 2 picks up the pace on "Untitled" - spot the classic faceless techno name - a slamming industrial track with nightmarish tones, and "Manipulate", which veers further down this hard-hitting route. But Jose Pouj's "Mantoux" takes the listener back from the void with steely rhythms underpinning haunting synth lines. It redresses the balance and ensures Ballistic 2 evenly fuses light and dark techno flavours.