Techno producers--especially minimal techno ones--are extremely meticulous about their production coming off just right. So, for two of them to work successfully on an album together and have it sound this harmonious is somewhat of an eyebrow-raiser. But Ellen Alien is as much known for her sweet demeanor as she is for being the female equivalent to Richie Hawtin in the burdgeoning Berlin scene. Apparat's made a name for himself as the founder of the Shitkatapult imprint (that houses such artists as T. Raumschmiere), and gives Alien's often starchy, brainy production the ebbing and flowing melodious flavor it often lacks. In short, the two make beautiful music together.
Ellen Allien and Apparat, two headstrong musicians who indeed differ in their musical context but still come together not just at the peripheral rims, collaborated on an album together: Orchestra of Bubbles.
By a deep plunge into the world of sound of their counterpart both are trying to find gateways in order to expand their own possibilities. While Apparat used to stand for an algorithms-based aesthetics and Ellen Allien fathomed the possible heights and depths of the dance floor widthways as well, for their joint production they dabble in a principle which electronic music is dedicated to from the very beginning and which is now only spelled differently: Contingency. Meaning, Ellen Allien and Apparat indeed take on the connections between Techno and IDM, but extend the original horizon with their thoughtful way of production where they interpenetrate, empathize and move their own artistic borders.
This becomes precise in those moments when Apparat not just aims at the dance floor but reaches it with the help of Ellen Allien's keen sense for a heavy on bass-keynote that gives his melancholic superstructure its cathedral of sound-adhesion. On the other hand Ellen Allien's claim to produce brainish music isn't just an empty phrase but comes alive again.
By using their special Lego-block beats the musicians create a playful re-definition of abstract Elektro, which could be seen as the gateway between both of them and at the same time synchronizes their heart beats.
Ellen Allien and Apparat are now getting ready to hook the audience to their longing themes with their upcoming live performances.