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Our Allien leader returns to the UFO bringing with her fresh auditory space signals. Ellen Allien’s latest EP on her UFO Inc imprint marks the sixth release from the label and features four original cuts from the pioneering Berliner. As you may expect from Ellen, the release is packed with raw emotion, rave motifs and unrelenting energy in her own inimitable style. ‘Rosen’ kicks things off, merging melodrama and emotive atmospherics, it’s an immersive experience as the beats pulsate and a simple, but effective analogue melody works its magic. A distorted vocal creeps in and repeats over and over at various intervals, complementing the darkness of the instrumental. This is followed by ‘N2020’, a pounding techno stomper. The oscillating bassline is joined by mysterious effects hovering in the mid-range. Sombre strings punctuate the breakdown, before we’re launched back into the deep end with the constant thud of the main kick drum working alongside the juddering low end. The EP closes with two versions of ‘KCKC’. Firstly, it’s the ‘Epic Mix’, which sees Ellen implementing a vocal in her typically skilful way. An extended intro, lasting just over two and a half minutes builds the tension until we’re ready to burst, slamming kick drums juxtaposed with ethereal pad work. Then we have the original version, which is taut and potent, the drums, bass, vocals and pads all intertwined to create a mesmerising finale to the EP. KCKC became Ellen’s personal anthem of her balcony sets during covid lockdown.