Lights and shadow. Dances of Death. Visions and theatricality. A jubilant duality as Ellen Allien merges her sonic sensibilities those of with Italian dark wave band Ash Code for a formidable collaborative project: the fearsome three-track EP – “Dance and Kill.”
The intersection of Naples and Berlin, a union held together by mutual respect, is where Ellen Allien and Ash Code converge, forging cold wave with techno. On Dance and Kill, they chart the territories between the two, finding common ground where synths, basslines, mood, melody, and vocals intermingle. In the end, the EP represents a perfect marriage of two potent and distinctive sounds, with both acts firing on all cylinders. The result is a work of art that is at once otherworldly and deeply rooted in the traditions of two different styles of music born from the same aural womb.
The opening track, “Dance and Kill,” sets the tone for this rhythmic fusion. The hypnotic blend of synthetic beats builds in intensity, steadily drawing the listener deeper into the sonic vortex as the two distinct sounds collide and amplify each other. The eerie vocal clips, vigourous percussion, stomping bass, distorted vocals, and ominous instrumentation showcase the artists’ rich parallels.
The monochromatic video for “Dance and Kill,” directed by Elio De Filippo, is a shadowy tour de force – complete with a disco ball having a Spin The Bottle meets Julius Caesar moment. If there’s blood on your hands, perhaps you can find salvation on the dance floor.
Watch “Dance and Kill” below:
Ellen Allien, the German DJ, and producer, is an artist who has always defied categorization. Her music is a reflection of her singular approach, where the emphasis is placed on vocals that are dark and enigmatic, yet deeply emotive. Her sets are marked by bespoke edits that transform her sound into something truly unique, drawing in the interest of many of her favorite bands. She recently shared the stage with both Ash Code and Lebanon Hanover at the Grauzone Festival, where she showcased her power in the world of electronic music.
Since their inception in 2014, Ash Code has been pushing the boundaries of musical convention, blending disparate styles to create a sound that is truly unique. The band’s music is marked by a sense of urgency, driven by thunderous rhythms and distorted vocals that are woven together with melodic synths and evocative lyrics. It is this fusion of post-punk, synthpop, and EBM that has earned them a reputation as one of the most exciting acts on the contemporary music scene.
Ellen Allien, an iconic figure in the techno scene, was a natural collaborator for Ash Code. Her singular approach to music and emphasis on vocals was a perfect complement to the band’s unique sound.
Dance And Kill is out June 30, 2023.
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