Ame might’ve kept their doses in a time-released capsule for their last hit “Rej,” which, despite being one of the largest tracks of 2005, still ended up doing a victory lap throughout clubs in 2006. So it needs to be said from the start that “Balandine” isn’t as likely to have the same set of legs. And that’s totally fine, as the track is just too busy ratcheting up tension over its 11 jaw-clenching minutes to worry about its shelf life (note to DJs: start your engines now). For once, the baiting mid-song quip - “As if anyone of you could just go back” - is unabashedly appropriate. The song’s bass is more than happy to try to hit the legendary brown note, shake up planets like snow globes, and even make the frantic backbeat sound measly in comparison. It’s bound to get caned to death this summer, so appreciate the sprint of “Balandine” while it’s still fresh. B-side “Enoi” tries to play the same game but falls short, this time the vocal samples wind up puncturing the song’s inflating tension.

Innervisions / INNERVISIONS11
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[Nate DeYoung]