Duke Dumont Enlivens the Dancefloor with Sophomore Album, ‘Union’

Duke Dumont’s second full-length effort stuns with a diverse soundscape fit for live listening.

From radio-ready hits to introspective moments, British producer and DJ Duke Dumont can do it all. He skyrocketed to stardom with his 2015 single “Ocean Drive,” a multi-platinum track that solidified him as a tastemaker in the dance music scene. Since achieving breakout success, Dumont has flourished, receiving top billing at major festivals including Day Trip, We Belong Here, and this year’s edition of Wonderfront.

Duke Dumont’s follow-up to his debut album, Duality, has a strikingly different vibe. Released on Astralwerks, the evocative long play, Union, is five years in the making.

Union is a marvelous display of Dumont’s musical growth, charting the course of his evolution as a producer. The 12-track album shows a different side of his production skills as he tailors the full experience in favor of live performances with broader appeal.

The album begins the listener’s journey with a dramatic namesake intro, building excitement and setting the tone for the journey ahead. Seamlessly blending in, “The Chant” welcomes listeners to the atmospheric voyage of sound. Originally released as a single in May 2023, the track captivates with trance synths, beckoning fans to the dancefloor.

“Ain’t Giving Up Yet” shines with the vocal prowess of Clementine Douglas, leaning toward what has become Dumont’s signature radio-friendly sound. In contrast, “ENERGY” captures the vibe of his previous club heaters in a new and exciting way. The uptempo track incorporates tech and deep house influences with lively rapping, packing a powerful punch.

A standout on the album, “Feels Like This” is an uplifting ode to the connection live music brings. Featuring spoken word poetry from Irishman Tony Walsh, the song is a reminder that pure joy exists within each of us, and only we decide when to let it live out loud.

Throughout Union, Dumont shifts the energy from intense and emotive tunes like “I Need You Now” to the bright swells and well-crafted lyricism of “All My Life” featuring Panama. Serving as the final track of the impactful project, the latter provides an anthemic finale, closing the journey on a high note.

On his second full-length release, Duke Dumont redefines his identity, delving deeper into several subgenres of house music. The reflective and thought-provoking body of work is a testament to the producer’s innate ability to evoke feelings across a wide spectrum of sound.

Duke Dumont’s sophomore album, Unity, is out now. Give it a listen on your favorite streaming platform, and follow along on social media for updates on his upcoming US tour.