Ellington

Ellen Allien — "Thrills" Berlin seems to be the new electronica hotspot, as several truly talented artists have emerged onto the worldwide underground stage. Among the most promising is Ellen Allien, genre-morphing sound sculptress and owner/founder of the Bpitch Control record label. Like her 2003 release, "Berlinette," her latest is sensational in how seemingly sterile electronic elements are tweaked to create emotionally engaging electro pop with a dance club twist. Her lyrics are simple and elegant, as is her sound. The best comparison for those unfamiliar would be Bjork, although this is stretching the lines of analogy just a bit. Where Bjork conjures the otherworldly in her electro-pop soundscapes, Allien is rooted firmly on terra firma. Hence, her grooves are more accessible than those of Bjork's and are every bit as original—it's that great!