The Toolroom Knights series have established themselves as among the most exciting mix compilations of recent years. The latest edition comes from Slovenian techno veteran Umek. Let’s see how he handles business…
Umek needs little introduction. We take it you have come to know the man as a techno mainstay over recent years, not only as a DJ/producer but also as head of the acclaimed 1605 label. His Toolroom Knights compilation has become a dynamic compilation that spotlights the many facets of contemporary techno, including two exclusive tracks from the man himself. The first CD kicks off nicely with Oscar L’s punchy NY Funk and continues with a load of no-nonense techno in its most dynamic form. Highlights include Koen Groeneveld’s Rudder, Funkagenda’s thunderous Astana, and ThreeSixty’s Dominion. The second disc simply continues the fast-paced techno bonanza in an even more diverse mix. And there’s lots and lots to enjoy here as well: Umek vs. PNHTM’s Dead Space (a compilation exclusive) kicks like a mule, and so do Butch’s XTC (Riva Starr Cut), Christian Camba’s devastating The Robospanker and Christian Smith’s the Price Of Freedom. An excellent mix, overall speaking.
Our verdict: Umek delivers two outstanding mixes full of rock-solid and highly energetic techno. The dynamic nature of this mix, along with the great mixing and timing, make it an all-rounder for techno and tech-house heads alike.
Stand out tracks: Funkagenda – Astana, ThreeSixty – Dominion, Christian Camba – The Robospanker Weak moments: Denis Underground – Nice Evil, Jon Rundell – Flex
Tracklist CD 1 1. Umek - Intro 1 2. Oscar L - NY Funk 3. Matteo DiMarr & Adam K - Bum Bom 4. Kiko - Tweak 5. Alex Kenji - My Oscar 6. Koen Groeneveld CVR Dj Tonio - Buzz Buzz 7. Mar-C & Kobbe - You You You 8. Koen Groeneveld - Rudder 9. Mike Spaccavento - That's Done It 10. D-Becker - Not Against 11. Denis Underground - Nice Evil 12. Funkagenda - Astana 13. Da Fresh - That Body 14. Spartaque - Raise Me 15. Elay Lazutkin - Ibiza 16. Michael Woods - Intro 17. ThreeSixty - Dominion 18. Dean Newton - Kuraitani 19. Christian Fischer - GTX Drift CD2. 1. Umek - Intro 2 2. Uto Karem - Utopolys 3. Gary Beck - Get Down 4. Hertz & Subway Baby - Exterminime 5. Mike Vale - Rising Up 6. Umek vs. PNHTM - Dead Space 7. Umek - Novi Sad (Uto Karem Remix) 8. Austin Leeds - Leibowitz 9. Jon Rundell - Flex 10. Butch - XTC (Riva Starr Cut) 11. Umek - Sarajevo 12. Hertz - Red Ryder 13. Christian Cambas - The Robospanker 14. Phunk Investigation - Wall Of Sound 15. Just'N Toko - Let Me Dig 16. Weekend Heroes - Fear Factor 17. Christian Smith - The Price Of Freedom 18. Traumer - Rolling Life
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