Ellen Allien has been a defining force in Berlin’s electronic music scene for decades. Her sound is inextricably tied to the city’s underground—blending acid-drenched basslines, industrial grit, and melodic elements that push into experimental territory. While traces of older trance influences emerge, her music avoids the genre’s more predictable tropes, opting instead for hypnotic, avant-garde structures that reward deep listening. Given her eclectic and constantly evolving style, pinpointing exactly what an “Ellen Allien track” sounds like is no easy feat. However, here are five tracks that resonate with her signature sound.
Note: These recommendations are for informational and educational purposes and are not officially endorsed by Ellen Allien.
Follow our Abstract Techno playlist of these tracks and many more.
A83 – Ryan James Ford
A83, featured on Spotify’s Ellen Allien Track IDs playlist, runs at 135 BPM with a haunting melody in D minor—a key often associated with introspective and moody atmospheres in melodic techno. The track’s industrial kick and swung percussive elements create a mechanical groove, while its barely-there, hallucinatory vocal samples deepen the hypnotic experience.
FCKDSKO – Waxing
Waxing delivers a funky, acid-forward techno track reminiscent of many found in Ellen Allien’s sets. With a tempo of 130 BPM, it keeps a steady, rolling energy. The melodic elements build with a crescendo, evoking trance-like textures while steering clear of the genre’s more euphoric clichés. Instead, the track focuses on groove and hypnotic sonic layering.
Origami – Quelza
Known for his ability to warp time perception through sound, Quelza crafts Origami as an airy, arpeggio-driven techno piece. Waves of percussion ebb, flow, and crash throughout the stereo field, lending a sense of organic movement to the track. A distinct swing pattern keeps the listener locked in a hypnotic sway, a hallmark of Ellen’s more experimental selections.
Regent – Obsidion
Regent channels the raw mechanical energy often present in Ellen Allien’s sets. A pulsing hi-hat and whiplash-like percussive claps drive the track forward, leading into trance-adjacent builds that avoid the predictable pitfalls of the genre. Instead, it leans into cavernous, industrial echoes, making it an ideal selection for deep, late-night club moments.
Tutan – Emmanuel
Tutan exists in a space of sonic juxtaposition. A weighty, driving kick drum and searing cymbals create a powerful rhythmic foundation, while a fluttering lead and buoyant bassline inject an element of hypnotic euphoria. The track balances heaviness and lift, making it a compelling choice for fans of Ellen Allien’s dynamic sets.
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