Impact Mechanics At Juno Download

Review: One of techno's original bad boys bounces back with this slamming release. Alanis' interpretation of slamming Chi-town rhythms is a welcome distraction from the stream of morbid industrial out there, and those looking for no nonsense, heads-down ghetto trax will find them in abundance here. The title track is probably the most restrained, its aquatic chords in stark contrast to the grainy, distorted drums and snares of the Chicago edit or the searing, noisy riffs on the Heron remix. "Old Jack" is like the middle ground, its woozy chords fused with a stripped back groove, but all too soon Alanis returns to the hard jacking sounds, audible on "Time Ant".

Review: Ishii made his name with esoteric Detroit-influenced techno during the 90s, but "Buddah's Ear" is a different proposition. It sounds inspired by the harder strain of European techno that has emerged over the past few years. This is audible on the title track, where spacey riffs ricochet off heavy, metallic drums and scratchy percussion. 'Original Mix 2' is more stripped back with Ishii focusing on the rolling drums and a bassline that is so tearing it will endanger any sound system that it comes into contact with. The dub version sees snares roll in over a heavy sub-bass, while Ben Sims' take juxtaposes slamming beats with eerie, echoing chords.