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On Tuesdays We Techno, Volume 34: Ellen Allien, Amelie Lens, UMEK & More

January 29, 2019 By Brie French-Sorgini

A new year means an entirely new helping of dark, mind-melting, tenacious techno and we’re more than ready for. As we near the end of January, 2019 has already begun to prove itself with the delivery of more than a handful of pristine selects from some of our favorite artists in the genre. So, let’s get right into it.

Our first spiral down the rabbit hole of the new year begins with the Berlin stalwart, Ellen Allien. Her latest beauty comes in the form of the lead track off her latest released EP UFO. Not only does the title-track perfectly allude to the intergalactic vibes and feelings of one’s body slowly transcending into another world, but it also signifies the launch of her new brand and label named – you guessed it – UFO Inc.

Just as we’re lifted off the ground by Ellen Allien’s utterly entrancing new piece, Amelie Lens comes sweeping in with her dynamic acid rework of Adam Beyer’s 2014 hit “Teach Me,” standing as Drumcode’s impressive 200th release for the label. This marks the point in our journey when we soar straight through the atmosphere. L.A. powerhouse Brennen Grey takes the reigns with his stunning rendition of Pleasurekraft’s “Lagrange Point,” one of the standout selects on the the Kraftek bosses’ remix compilation Friends, Lovers, and Other Constellations.

The last leg of our trip is hard and heavy – just like we like it – and absolutely not for the faint of heart. Brace yourself for a truly disrupting piece of work from Montreal’s Atroxx with “Undefined Primal Instinct.” Raw and aggressive, the track is a beautiful showing of his darker take on techno, and perfectly compliments UMEK’s latest collab with Matt Sassari, and the next killer on our list, “Dica.” This track delivers an annihilating beat that will slowly, but ultimately consume you as we near the end of the final stretch.

Bringing our heartbeat down and our bodies back to planet earth, UMEK sends us home with another one of his latest hits, “Specific Flavor.” This closing work offers an addictive rolling beat that will have you steadily moving along and allow you to catch your breath for some much needed air.

Cheers to the first of many spirals in 2019. We hope you enjoy and succumb yourself to every second of it.

Ellen Allien – UFO