Our Friday selection:
UMEK, Mha Iri, Zeta Reticula – Watchers of the Sky EP (1605, 1605267)
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 UMEKβs 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.
Tracklist: UMEK, Mha Iri, Zeta Reticula – Watchers of the Sky EP (1605, 1605267)
01. UMEK Feat. Mha Iri – Watchers of the Sky
02. UMEK vs. Zeta Reticula – Reticulate
Buy release: Digital
Listen on: Spotify // YouTube
Connect with the artists:
π· Instagram UMEK
π· Instagram Mha Iri
π€ Facebook UMEK
π€ Facebook Mha Iri
Follow the label:
π· Instagram 1605
π€ Facebook 1605
Find out more about UMEK, Mha Iri, Zeta Reticula here
and discover more great music from 1605 as well.