Boogybytes, Vol. 4

by Andy KellmanEllen Allien tapped Kiki, Sascha Funke, and Modeselektor to contribute the first three volumes of her label's Boogybytes series. For its fourth, she takes the reins. In the context of her other mixes released since 2001's Flieg Mit Ellen Allien, Boogybytes, Vol. 4 is lacking in range-y playfulness, opting instead to operate within a rather inhibited set of parameters within the field of subdued, if moderately jittery, minimal techno (or what is termed minimal techno in 2008). With a couple exceptions, the tracks fit together neatly, if to a fault; apart from the first two tracks (including Vera's pinging "In the Nook," a truly minimal track worthy of the Sähkö label or Sleeparchive) and the finale (Little Dragon's quietly stunning "Twice"), any given drop-in point could be mistaken for any other point in the set, meaning that there's not much of an arc, or even any "up" or "down" moments relative to one another. It could be an ideal companion for brain-dead early-morning drives home, or it might provide pleasant, unintrusive accompaniment for office work. If you're looking for a mix within a similar realm that is more stimulating and varied, either Jennifer Cardini's Feeling Strange or Wighnomy Brothers' Metawuffmischfelge -- both of which were released around the same time -- will do.