The Slovenian techno savant Umek makes his label debut this month with the Utopia EP, showcasing the veteran producer’s versatility as he continues his move from uncompromising straight-edged techno to a funkier, dancefloor-friendly sound. And with over fifteen years experience as a DJ and producer, Umek’s profile is greater than ever. Last year he charted at #29 in the DJ Mag Top 100 DJ’s poll, and his tech-disco Essential Mix at the end of last year also received wide acclaim.

Utopia is a cracking up-tempo tech-house track, complete with a driving bassline and funky synth motif. The original mix is a complicated, robotic affair that is beautifully constructed and perfectly mastered, reminiscent of a late eighties sci-fi score.

Remix junkie Tigerskin (aka Alex Krueger) drags the original underwater, dulling and widening the synth and introducing a hollow kickdrum. His take on the track is excellent, opening with a minimal beat before progressing into melodic, steady techno whilst maintaining the booty-shakin’ funk of the original. Umek’s second offering on the EP is the slick Suspension, continuing with the lively tech-house flavour that carries his now trademark deep bassline and rhythmic groove. Suspension is another colossal offering with an optimistic synth melody that resonates over a rolling tech landscape to mould a rich, rumbling piece of electronica.

Renaissance and Umek were always going to be happy bedfellows, and sure enough, the debut release is a tightly polished package that once again validates this techno pioneer’s prominence in the dance music industry.