Slovenian electronica ambassador Umek's transformation from purveyor or thrashing, chunky techno to overlord of chunky, tech-meets-house grooves wasn't what people were necessarily expecting of him – but as ever, he's continued to deliver the goods on a consistent basis.
Mike Vale has popped up on Great Stuff before, with his track Pretty Woman cropping up on the Munich Disco Tech series and his remix of Pleasurekraft's Anubis going down a storm not so long ago. Umek signed his track Rising Up to his own 1605 Recordings imprint last year, and this new release sees the duo in fine form.
Chosen is light of touch, plump of bass and full of swing, offbeat tech chords sashaying in tandem with the bottom end while cheeky little snare fills keep the rhythm section ticking over. Kids With Money is a seriously cool cut, wiggling, weaving and bobbing all over the place to keep the listener on their toes. Infectious percussive tapestries are woven around a low-down , chugging b-line, with jazzy percussion and big effects sassing up the breakdown.
A remix of Kids With Money from the infallible Ant Brooks completes the package, with more of a twisted, maniacal glint in its eye that harks back to Umek's musical past. If you survive the enormous breakdown, you'll be rewarded with some full-on, face-smashing techno lashing. Not one for the weak-bladdered.

UMEK & Mike Vale - Chosen EP [Great Stuff]

What’s 2 m tall, lives Behind the Iron Curtain, has 1605 reasons to run an awesome label, and flies? Meet UMEK, a techno legend from Slovenia.

UMEK is personally responsible for kickstarting the electronic music scene in his home country by first organizing illegal raves and then becoming one of Slovenia’s most wanted export products and the number one music ambassador to the whole world.

And he does fly! Around 100 times per year, visiting almost every continent each year. His gig diary ranges from dark underground clubs in Berlin to massive techno stages at the world’s most renowned festivals. 

Apart from making his name in the DJ booth, he’s also a tireless producer. He mostly releases on his own imprint 1605, and most of his tracks end up on the very top of Beatport’s charts. After more than 25 years as a professional musician, he decided to use his experience and skills in the entrepreneurial world. Together with his managers, he founded a music-tech startup Viberate (www.viberate.com), where they are building the world’s greatest music platform.

UMEK & Mike Vale - Chosen EP [Great Stuff]

UMEK

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