To me Ellen Allien is one of "those" kinds of artists, ..you know the kind. The ones that should be waaaay more established than they currently are. But for some catastrophic reason we live in a lame society/fantasy world where quality music never gets the attention it deserves. Her music, well it's extremely simple/minimal techno with a dancey "edge". And, although it's "simplistic", it's extremely rich in sound. Which gives you the sense of picking up more details with every listen. Her 2003 album (my favorite) "Berlinette" could possibly be one of those 10 out of 10 albums for me. It's definitely one of the most catchy electronic albums I've ever heard if anything. Since then I've made it a point to seek out all of her work. On top of releasing a tremendously important techno album that I love so much she also runs a little know label called BPitch Control which is home to the likes of Apparat, Modeselektor & many other artists that are equally awesome. Her role in the "underground" dance scene in Europe is slightly(vastly) larger there than what it is in the US, but maybe one day (hopefully) that'll equal out. Any-whoooo, "Dust" is her latest offering, and yes, it's a tasty treat for the club kid in all of us.
At most points on all of the tracks you won't hear more than 3-4 different layers. Each one of those layers brings the sweetest sensation to those with the best headphones. Tiny blips, machine-esque sounding beats, bizarre lyrics sporadically enhancing other sounds, and the sense of being at one of the best dance clubs of your life. There are also moments like in "My Tree" when the tiniest Jazzy/melodic sample pokes it's head out towards the end, giving this album it's moments of "chill". Don't get me wrong, this isn't one of "those types" of "Dance" albums that's always upbeat, loud & in your face, it's actually quite soothing in the right mind set. Your toes will no-doubt be tapping though.. "Dust" is fun from beginning to end, the pulsing sensations you'll get from the music are super nice and the production (as always) is top-notch. Side note: I'd LOVE to hear Ms. Allien do a split with James Murphy some day, that's a paring that sounds like some next level shtuff if you ask me..
On "Dust" Ellen Allien, once again, proves why she's one of the best
Standout Tracks: Ever, Flashy Flashy, Huibuh
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