UMEK – Cryptic Speech EP [1605]

UMEK is an artist who has been influential in the world of techno since the ‘90s, and he has continued to dominate the genre up until the present day. One of the world’s top-selling artists on leading electronic music stores such as Beatport, his label 1605 has become nearly as iconic as the owner himself.

Last week, UMEK dropped his latest two-tracker on 1605 titled the ‘Cryptic Speech’, and already the lead track is making its way to the top of the charts. At the time of writing, currently positioned at No.4 in Beatport’s Top 100 for Techno (Peak Time / Driving).

‘Cryptic Speech’ is in the tried and tested style that UMEK has perfected these last few years, as it utilises euphoric synth parts underpinned by menacing basslines and driven by the pounding of an oversized kickdrum ready to burst out the speaker.

Keeping the energy high, track two ‘Bounce That Ass’ does exactly what it says on the tin, as its infectious groove is impossible to resist and hard not to bounce around the room with flurries of exciting dancing. Fusing a raw funk with explosive percussion and a muffled vocal sample, it’s a break away from what people consider UMEK’s trademark style, but this only displays his true mastery over the techno genre.