Paul Ritch is no stranger to Drumcode and has returned with an outstanding single featuring three tracks that will dominate DJ sets. The first track ‘Run Baby Run’ entertains us with an arpeggiated chord sequence that is accompanied by percussion-like synth sounds before bursting into a thick-layered sequence of sound. The dark and dubby side of the single see’s Paul’s ‘Astral’ bring a funky sleazed out groovy track that also uses a discerning melody. ‘Mind Insistence’ is a dark 5am groove that will keep the dance floor swaying in the early hours with it’s tripped out feel and syncopated percussion.

DC115 - Paul Ritch - Mind Insistence - Drumcode

DC115 - Paul Ritch - Astral - Drumcode

Adam Beyer and Ida Engberg come together to create a new track after the success of the highly acclaimed 'Lovecraft'. 'Unanswered Question' uses a weighty kick drum and a sensuous vocal before the track breaks into some groovy synth stabs. Julian Jeweil's remix of 'Unanswered Question' is a late night dubbed out version that compromises of a groove that pulsates throughout and falls into the original synth stabs before rising back into the funky, dubbed out groove. The Dense & Pika remix uses unusual percussion to produce a chunky groovy rhythm. When the track breaks it takes the listener on an eerie journey before it kicks back in to the chunky drum beat. The final track 'Virga' is a more melodic techno offering that finishes the single off with a classy finish.

DC117 - Adam Beyer & Ida Engberg - Virga - Drumcode

Satellite

White

That's Right

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Lightforms

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Mark Reeve - Can't You See (Original Mix) [Drumcode]

Bart Skils’ fifth Drumcode offering comes in the shape of ‘Black Vans’. A high energy, full force, four track EP of powerful techno; he showcases his skills to produce four tight and solid tracks. Layering the EP with samples, synths and hard hitting drums, the four tracks create an emotive journey that proves Bart Skils is still on top of his game.

Bart Skils - Fifth Gear - Drumcode - DC153

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

Adam Beyer Vs Pig&Dan - We Are E - Drumcode - DC171

The seventh volume of Drumcode’s annual A-Sides compilation hits with no less than 10 debuts for the label, with Charlotte de Witte, ANNA, B.Traits and Scuba’s SCB project, among the collection of topline artists to release their maiden productions on the imprint. 

Over two decades into its lifespan, Drumcode keeps evolving and excelling, pushing techno forward while remaining wholly respectful of its roots. This reputation for progression was further fueled this summer with its inaugural festival at the NDSM Docklands in Amsterdam, featuring a long list of heavyweights including Nicole Moudaber, Joseph Capriati, Amelie Lens and Ida Engberg, among others. 

As ever, the A-Sides compilation provides a timely opportunity to showcase the full range of its sonic repertoire, with Adam Beyer scrupulously selecting 22 unreleased tracks that have taken prime position in his sets over recent months. 

Outstanding all-round talent ANNA kicks off the compilation with ‘Portable Paradise’, a pulsating cut that sets the tone for the top-shelf club cuts to follow. Also entering the debut field with their first ever Drumcode dalliances are B.Traits and Charlotte de Witte. The esteemed Canadian selector offers up ‘I Feel The Music’, a euphonic track that’s been sought after since spring, and the Belgian ballista unlocks a thick-edged club bomb in ‘Remember.’

Leaders of Drumcode’s new brigade, exciting Brazilian Wehbba and British techno alchemist Boxia set out to impress. Wehbba’s straight-talking ‘Just’ hits with an immediate sense of urgency before neck-snap claps strike with force, and Boxia’s ‘Final Call’ elicits physical engagement with mellifluous vocals and soaring pads. 

Continuously looking to bolster the profiles of emerging talent, Berlin-based producers Weska and Juliet Fox are brought into the fold with equally engaging razor-sharp tracks that are primed to do lasting damage. 

Other notable highlights include an exhilarating workout from Reset Robot - the most released artist on Beyer’s imprint Truesoul – as he lands on Drumcode for the first time. And tastemaker’s favourite Jel Ford makes a welcome return as he ushers in techno rhythms with bustling breaks in ‘Nightshade.’

Elsewhere, support from label mainstays comes in from Bart Skils, who offers a work of consummate skill in ‘West Of The Moon.’ Alan Fitzpatrick, who’s been heavily featured across the A-Side series, joins forces with Scuba as he operates as his uncompromising alias SCB. The result is a propulsive floor-gripper that testifies to their masterful deftness as co-producers. Formidable duos Dense & Pika and Pig&Dan also contribute with powerful compositions.

ANNA - Portable Paradise - Drumcode - DC195

Independent record label owned by Adam Beyer.