Paul Kalkbrenner: "The Essence" instead of "Berlin Calling 2.0"
· re:union Radio editorial · 2 min read
Paul Kalkbrenner's latest album is titled "The Essence" according to the Deezer catalog, featuring tracks like "Dreaming On."
Paul Kalkbrenner's album is titled "The Essence" according to the Deezer catalog, bringing new tracks that sonically connect to his familiar blend of minimalist techno and Berlin eccentricity.
At a glance
- Current album according to Deezer catalog: "The Essence"
- Includes the track "Dreaming On"
- 2025 single "Dreaming On" samples a Depeche Mode song
- Previous albums: "Parts of Life" (2018) and "7" (2015, #1 in several countries)
From "Berlin Calling" to "The Essence"
The name "Berlin Calling" remains inextricably linked with Paul Kalkbrenner: the 2008 film of the same name, in which he played the lead role of DJ Ickarus, became a long-running hit in Berlin. It played for over 145 consecutive weeks at Kino Central – a record for the longest continuous cinema run in Germany. The soundtrack was also released in 2008 and made Kalkbrenner known far beyond the techno scene.
If you're looking for "Berlin Calling 2.0," you'll instead find his current release, "The Essence."
"Dreaming On" with Depeche Mode Sample
In 2025, Kalkbrenner released the single "Dreaming On." The track incorporates a sample from a Depeche Mode song and fits into a discography that repeatedly translates unexpected references into stripped-down club sounds. According to the Deezer catalog, the song is also found on "The Essence," along with other tracks like "Klettermaxe" and "Die Trompeten von Berlin" – titles that showcase the quirky, often tongue-in-cheek humor Kalkbrenner is known for.
Discography with Continuity
"The Essence" joins a body of work that most recently included "Parts of Life" (2018), his eighth studio album, and "7" (2015) – the latter reaching number one on the charts in several countries. Kalkbrenner is thus one of the few techno artists who also appear internationally in the album charts. If you're interested in current album releases from the scene, you can find an overview in our guide to current techno releases.
FAQ
What is "Dreaming On"?
A single released in 2025 that contains a sample from a Depeche Mode song.
Source: Wikipedia – Paul Kalkbrenner, Deezer
