Techno Playlist

Hot on the heels of the A-Sides Volume 5 compilation, Enrico Sangiuliano makes his return to Drumcode with his highly anticipated EP ‘Moon Rocks’. The heavy hitting four track EP shines a light on Sangiuliano’s tight, thundering production skills. The hoover heavy lead track ‘Moon Rocks’ is packed with booming percussion, intricate synths and brooding crescendos. The EP encapsulates Sangiuliano’s wide spectrum of sounds ranging from the fat bass line of ‘Moon Rocks’ to the more delicate harmonies shown within the ‘Dutch Kiss’ mixes whilst ‘Ghettoblaster’ sits somewhere in between.

Enrico Sangiuliano - Dutch Kiss (Straight Mix) - Drumcode - DC160

Enrico Sangiuliano - Ghettoblaster - Drumcode - DC160

Sam Paganini makes his return to Drumcode after his chart topping album ‘Satellite’ with a four track, pounding EP. ‘The Beat’, is crammed with thudding drums, reverberated vocals and floaty synth lines. The EP, packed with tantalising synths and explosive drops, will ignite any dance floor.  

Sam Paganini - The Beat (ft. Zøe)- Drumcode - DC162

Moby is a name synonymous with us all in the electronic music world and we are lucky enough to have been able to hand select some Drumcode artists to remix his work. This 9 track package included remixes from Enrico Sangiuliano, Dense & Pika, Bart Skils, Alan Fitzpatrick, Marco Faraone, Tiger Stripes, Manic Brothers and Luca Agnelli. Each one has been thought out and accomplished with precision using some of Moby’s synonymous samples.

The Remixes

Moby - Natural Blues (Marco Faraone's Whitelandvox remix) - Drumcode - DC164

Moby - Go (Tiger Stripes White Tail remix) - Drumcode - DC164

Moby - Porcelain (Luca Agnelli remix) - Drumcode - DC164

When Pig&Dan decided to join forces, they began a truly prolific production schedule establishing their reputation as producers of pulsating electronic music that straddled dark house and high-energy techno, whilst creating their signature style of twisted and experimental breakdowns. Since those early days, they have created a repertoire that not many can match and have constantly been releasing their music on the most respected labels and playing at the best events worldwide.

Pig&Dan follow up to their outstanding first EP on Drumcode with ‘Chemistry’. Compromising of three tracks the mood fluctuates with each record to create a well-balanced, dynamic EP. Chemistry is a dreamy listening platform that mixes cyclic synth lines and stabs to crescendo into a late night imagination. The other two tracks are on the harder tip with their thunderous kick drums and disorientated sounds that provide a different edge to the EP with a harder, peak time sound.

Pig&Dan - Ukraine - Drumcode - DC165

Pig&Dan - Chemistry - Drumcode - DC165

Highlighting sets everywhere from Awakenings during ADE to Spazio 900 in Rome, the tracks are hard-hitting master studies in industrial-edged techno.  ‘Future’ is a chunky stomper perfect for the winter warehouse party season, as multi-layered synths and effects rub shoulders with heavy-set drums to ensure this one hits its target.

Adam Beyer Vs Dense & Pika - Future - Drumcode - DC166

2017’s first Drumcode release comes in the form of chart topping regular Julian Jeweil, who’ll be putting out his first solo effort on the label. Jeweil’s ‘Rolling EP’ showcases his skill as a producer and kicks off with the emphatic title track ‘Rolling’. The perfect soundtrack for the early hours in the club, this sweaty affair proves just why he’s at the top of the game right now. ‘Venice’ and ‘Blue’ illustrate his signature sound to a tee, with the EP’s final track ‘Traffic’ an acid-tinged behemoth, guaranteed to light up any set.

Julian Jeweil – Blue – Drumcode – DC167

Timmo follows up his debut Drumcode release ‘We Beat On’ with a brand new 4-tracker packed to the rafters with his own unique blend of techno. His productions are getting plays from the likes of Adam Beyer, Joseph Capriati and Richie Hawtin amongst others; 2017 is set to be his biggest year yet. 

Timmo’s unique sound has captured the eyes and ears of many highly revered techno DJs around the world and his ‘System’ release is a stark reminder of exactly why this is. ‘Intensify’ is a big room record that is set to do some real damage on dance floors worldwide. This peak time tool thumps through 7 minutes of power, dragging you in and throwing you out the other side as the track rolls on. 
‘The Maze’ is an example of his excellent production, with his use of synths on a level that some producers take years to hone. ‘System’ is a haunting track, authentic four-to-the-floor techno that screams in to top gear right from the off. The release closes with the more groove and bass line laden ‘Together’. One of those tracks that is guaranteed to get stuck in your head…

Timmo – The Maze – Drumcode – DC168

After appearing on A-Sides Volume 4 at the start of 2016, Ilario Alicante now makes his full debut on the label. He has quickly established himself as a key player amongst a new crop of techno artists and truly is one of the brightest stars in the game. His skills behind the decks have seen him tour the globe with Cocoon, as well as appear at the likes of elrow, Lovefest and We Are FSTVL.

Opening with ‘Times’, the EP gets off to a flying start as the track rages straight into top gear, rolling through 6 minutes of pure power. This is a peak time tool that is set to be heard across dance floors worldwide this year. ‘Awakened’ you may have heard from Adam Beyer’s sets of late, a firm favourite which gets his much sought after seal of approval. Rampant syths and mesmerizing vocal hooks all make it one hell of a journey. ‘Sense’ is a more industrial affair, chunky basslines take your hand through the track as it charges on. It’s that classic deep Ilario Alicante sound we all know and love. The EP finishes off on ‘Apogeo’, with its hypnotic siren tones and acute percussion. One thing is for sure, Ilario Alicante is in a league of his own.

Ilario Alicante - Sense - Drumcode - DC169

Now in its second decade, with a steady stream of the most forward thinking and cutting edge techno productions, Drumcode has one of the biggest selections of releases from industry heavy hitters, whilst not forgetting its future by bringing the newest talented producers into the limelight, where Layton Giordani is now a name firmly within that line up.

The New York born, but now EU based producer first had recognition back in 2014, and his debut release came via Drumcode with his track “Rivington” on the A-Sides Vol5 compilation in 2016. 

Consisting of 12 original tracks, the album packs a punch when it comes to no-nonsense techno. Successfully weaving relentless drums and catchy vocal hooks into a selection of thick, brooding, atmospheric tracks.

Layton Giordani - Tigerlilly - Drumcode - DC170

Layton Giordani - Dragon Fly - Drumcode - DC170

A work 12 months in the making, Adam Beyer continues his exciting series of collaborative EPs, teaming up with heavy-hitters Pig&Dan for an multi-faceted four-tracker.

Chances are up if you spied Adam Beyer in an airport departure lounge over the past 12 months, he’d have his head buried in his laptop, immersed in creating sound sketches. A long-time fan of collaborations, the Drumcode chief has been on an inspiring streak of form lately, teaming up with the likes of Mark Reeve, Dense & Pika and now Pig&Dan. The results have been compelling, to say the least. 

In trademark perfectionist Beyer style, the title track ‘Capsule’ – a shimmering slice of techno - involved “around 15 different versions” the track rigorously road tested by the Swede and featured in episodes of Drumcode Radio to test dancefloor reactions, before finally getting the sign off.  ‘In Love’ is a big room techno groover, driven by crisp drums and the kind of evocative vocal effect that’ll have hairs standing on ends. ‘Atmosfear’ is true to its name, centered on a menacing synth line and gritty percussion, its deep kicks and subterranean bass combining superbly to create a heady dancefloor brew. ‘We Are E’ is propelled by a catchy synth hook and a classic call-to-arms vocal, which tips its cap to the artists’ shared love of classic UK rave.

Adam Beyer Vs Pig&Dan - Capsule - Drumcode - DC171

DC172 comes on behalf of Brazilian born Vinicius Honorio, a now London based producer and DJ who is making some serious in-roads amongst a new breed of techno artists. Having already released on labels such as Pig&Dan’s Elevate and dubspeeka’s Skeleton, the next natural step in his progression comes in the form of a release on Drumcode. 

‘Through The Darkness’ is a masterclass in darkened techno grooves, with each one of the four tracks managing to show off Honorio’s skill as a producer and just why he is firing on all cylinders. The release kicks off with ‘Walking Shadow’, a track that has been a key part of Adam Beyer’s sets at the tail end of 2016 and in to the new year. This tense, brooding affair has certainly garnered a lot of attention of late and it’s clear to see why. The title track ‘Through The Darkness’ is a much more of a stripped back cut, jam-packed with a haunting vocal hook, driving basslines and slick drums. This is one for the late night mischief makers. ‘Desolate’ is another hard-hitter, managing to perfectly balance that signature Honorio groove and pounding drums that adds depth to his productions. The release closes with the atmospheric ‘Out For Blood’, which is loaded with vintage rave stabs and weighty basslines – This one is meant to played in dark and sweaty rooms.

Vinicius Honorio - Walking Shadow - Drumcode - DC172

Hailing from Spain, we are pleased to welcome Ramiro Lopez to take the reigns for our next release. The in-form producer has already released music on the likes of Bedrock, Intec, Suara and Diymanic in a relatively short space of time and garnered major support from Adam Beyer, Carl Cox and Monika Kruse. Coming out on 15th May, his ‘Pretending’ release comprises of 4 tracks that have been a mainstay of Adam Beyer’s sets during the latter part of 2016 and now full force in to 2017. 

The release opens with ‘September’; Atmospheric to its very core, the crunching drums and low end rumbles make this one a sure fire weapon of choice. Next we jump into ‘Loving You’ with a haunting vocal that compliments the stripped back yet refined approach of this track. ‘Come Closer’ featuring Juliet Fox is a dark, rumbling number that screams building percussion that lends itself to become a peak time choice, whether it’s a club or festival. The release closes with ‘Pretending feat. KnowKontrol’; An 8-minute piece of work that is destined for unadulterated dancefloor destruction, whilst maintaining that melodic element that Ramiro Lopez is fast making his signature style.

Ramiro Lopez - Pretending feat. KnowKontrol - Drumcode - DC174

DC175 comes courtesy of Alias, a new project comprising of Harvey & Ryan McKay, who are two acts who have previously released solo material on the label. Harvey McKay’s last appearance was in late 2016 when he dropped ‘The Mad Drummer’ on A-Sides Vol. 4 whereas Ryan McKay’s last outing was in 2015 when he appeared on A-Sides Vol.3 under the name Skiver. This is the first collaborative project between the Scottish duo under their new moniker Alias.

The EP opens with ‘Pentatonic’; A tough sounding track that has been designed for the forward-thinkers. ‘The Truth’ follows up sharply, with vintage piano stabs and a vocal that gives the track abounding energy. The on-point percussion leads you on a trip of pure rapture. The release closes with the apocalyptic ‘Dream Taker’, which is teeming with sinister vocal action, hostile synth work and a sublime way to sign off.

Alias - Dream Taker - Drumcode - DC175

Alias - The Truth - Drumcode - DC175

Cooked up with a more melodic vibe and fusing elements of house and techno, Dense & Pika’s latest outing on Drumcode offers something different compared to their previous work. There is still that vintage feel to each of the tracks with analogue sounds and arrangements born and developed from experimental studio jams. Indeed, ‘Suki’ heavily utilizes the distinct harmonic tones of the Dave Smith Prophet 8 keyboard. While ‘Little Sun’ - A staple of D&P performances over the last three months - delivers a more classic Drumcode sound. ‘Lanky’ closes out the release with an infectious slab of wonderfully wonked-out raw funk.

Techno Playlist

Reyan westbrook