Manchester-based producer Illum Sphere returns with a heady new 12″ called Second Sight, out now on Ninja Tune. His first release since 2014’s Spectre Vex EP, “Ritual” and “Second Sight” reflect Ryan Hunn‘s interest in a more machine-driven sound. “Ritual” begins with a muffled kick and flattened piano note alternating like some remote sonic beacon before gaining layers of rhythmic complexity. Soon, C-3PO-like robot whistles can be heard purring and cooing in the background, as a glassy-eyed drone accrues into this track’s slow motion melody. While there’s a more contemplative, air-like quality to “Ritual”, “Second Sight” is organized around the chthonic menace of a 3-note bass-line. Catatonic repetition adds to the machine-like quality of the track, before additional rhythmic detailing adds a hard industrial edge. Ultimately exuberant and driving, “Second Sight” promises robotic perfection in place of our more human failings.
