In the somewhat faceless world of techno music, Ellen Allien is a shining star. Over the years, her albums and collaborations have rightfully propelled her further into a spotlight that inches close to crossover-pop success, but, her fourth solo album, SooL, is a bit of a deviation from this, steeped as it is in the underground sounds of minimal techno. Her latest tracks capture the heavy and sparse atmosphere of dim gatherings in Germany’s reunified capital. The whispered hook on “Bim” is as catchy as it is uncanny, reminding us that Allien can play anything she wants and still keep her subtle touch. Wyatt Williams

Ellen Allien – Bim