UMEK is back on his label 1605, and this time he has collaborated with Mha Iri who has become a regular on the imprint. Alongside the collaboration, the second track on the EP showcases UMEK’s electro focused alter ego Zeta Reticula.
Both of the tracks on this release show different sides of UMEK’s broad music taste and the styles that influence it. His career spans over two decades and alongside the big room style of his Beatport No.1’s, he has also had many underground hits on highly respected labels like Planet Rhythm and NovaMute.
Mha Iri has been making waves in the world of techno with her distinctive style that blends dark atmosphere and powerful synth lines with thundering percussion. Her tracks unleash a rollercoaster of emotions and switch between menacing intensity and uplifting ecstasy. One of the most talented artists on the Australian scene, she has also released tracks on Spektre’s Respekt and Markantonio’s AnalyticTrail.
Zeta Reticula is an alias UMEK uses to channel his early influence of Detroit made electro from the likes of Drexciya, Stingray and Model 500. True to the analogue style of these classic tracks, Zeta Reticula releases can usually be found pressed to limited runs of vinyl that quickly sell out.
Opening the release is the collaboration with Mha Iri called “Watchers of the Sky” that focuses in on explosive percussion and grinding synth textures underpinned by a rumbling bassline and thumping kick drum. Leading towards an epic breakdown with compelling vocals and uplifting synths, the track erupts when the percussion comes slamming back in.
Track two is UMEK vs Zeta Reticula, and its classic electro with breakbeat percussion, sweeping dystopian pads, and squelching, analogue synths. One for the purists, this track blends raw machine funk with moody atmospherics.
You can now listen to the full premiere of ‘Watchers Of The Sky’ on When We Dip’s SoundCloud. Enjoy!
Release date : August 27th, 2021. Buy Here