Ellen Allien

The aptly named Dust by Ellen Allien is music for an old, dusty basement of secrets. The record exhibits qualities of warmth and intellect painted deeply into the audio canvas. As a luminary figure in techno, representing new talent since 1997 with her BPitch Control label, Ellen also designs fashion out of Berlin. And like the clothing she designs, the music on this stunningly creative fifth studio LP stands decidedly "outside the box." The songs on Dust are insightfully devised and whimsically beautiful. They work an intricate interconnection of weird vocals, distinct electronic sounds, guitars and organic percussion. Every song is unique: "Should We Go Home" sounds like music of a desolate landscape; the acoustic guitar riff and dreamy vocals on "Sun The Rain" feel romantic; and "My Tree" constructs a progression of soundscapes resulting in a sweet melody that might be the theme song to an old children's television program. Ellen Allien's artistic voice is powerful as a female and techno songwriter. Dust demonstrates her skill and passion.