Overview. UMEK is back on his label 1605 with two of his own new tracks, and it’s set to be a big EP, with his last appearance on the imprint still charted at No.1 in the techno section of Beatport.
Regular fans of UMEK will already be familiar with the relaunch of 1605 in 2019, as the labels output has consistently been charted at the top of numerous sales polls.
1605 has become a main outlet for UMEK’s own tracks but his recent releases can also be found on other high-flying imprints including Filth On Acid, Suara, Intec, Terminal M and Tronic.
Not only did UMEK kick start the techno scene in his home country of Slovenia, but he has also been an influential figure at the forefront of the global scene for over two decades, and he shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.
“Cybernetic Implant” opens the release with its ominous bass pads that underpin a euphoric melody to create a compelling dark and light contrast. Tough percussion and a hard-hitting kick drum provide the ridged foundation that’s tried and tested to cause frenzied excitement on the dance floor.
Second of the tracks titled “Beat At 4 AM” has a raw and aggressive sound focusing in on a distorted kick drum and punishing clap rhythms. The shouting chant of commanding vocals add to the menacing tension, before the old school melody gives the track a rave influenced charisma.
Nothing less than fans would expect, this compelling EP is a techno masterclass that showcases why UMEK is as relevant today as he was twenty years ago.