The Manic Brothers six track EP begins with ‘Praying Mantis’; a deep techno offering using a swelling bass line that rumbles under the track whilst the distinctive synth phrase shifts the groove of the track. ‘Voices’ huge hypnotic stabs generate a late night dub that uses sparse percussion and interesting delay effects to mesmerise the crowd. ‘Life After Life’ is a more euphoric and delicate take on techno and uses subtle percussion and melodies to create an ethereal felt track. Using a more industrial style of techno, ‘Hidden History’ includes lots of snare rolls and a stab that is infectious whilst rolling over a heavy kick drum. ‘Introduction’ is a long player and takes it time to slowly build synth melodies and stabs that morph into an unbelievable record. ‘Morning Mass’ rounds off the EP using an unusual rhythmic instrument and beautiful synth pads to create a record that leaves you wanting more.

DC118 - Manic Brothers - Morning Mass - Drumcode

The Drumcode A-Sides compilation is quickly becoming synonymous within the techno world as a go to compilation for the hottest tracks that are deservedly A-side material in their own right. Each specific track has it own unique character that brings an outstanding and electrifying aspect to the compilation that as a whole makes it something extremely special. Mixing both highly experienced and new artists has helped to bring a new dimension to the compilation that makes it such a special array of tracks.

Juan Sanchez - Morcilla - Drumcode - DC142

November

On The Dot (Original Mix)

Dustin Zahn - Moving the Chains

Joseph Capriati - Iron Pump

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.

Christian Smith & John Selway - Burning Chrome - Drumcode - DC195

Without doubt one of the names of 2012 and a regular name amongst the listings for Adam Beyer’s Drumcode Radio show; Mark Reeve makes a debut on Drumcode with his Drumatic EP. Comprising four tracks, the release brings a familiar heavy-weight percussive sound to Drumcode, starting with The Beat and its marching rhythm powered along by a distinctive growling stab; before moving on to Drumatic with its snare-loop driven wall of sound; and on to Industrial, which comes in two versions – the original with a thumping kick and old-school pads and the Tool Mix which strips the track back to a rolling groove punctuated with an array of sonically interesting details and effects. 

02 DC101 - Mark Reeve - Drumatic - clip

A blistering buddy to the first instalment of Pig&Dan’s ‘Tunnel Vision’ EP will land in April. 

Not one to rest on their laurels, Pig&Dan have come out firing in 2020. One of the techno genre’s most prolific artists, their 17 year has seen a wealth and consistency of output unmatched by most in the industry. This is exemplified by the ‘Tunnel Vision’ series launched on Drumcode this year.

Set for release just one week after its predecessor, part 2 continues in powerful, peak-time mode. ‘Sirenism’ is a tour de force, driven by a pulsating lead that pops with acidic undertones. ‘Rinse Out The Sound’ is an intoxicating blend of warbled effects, warm synth layers and crisp drum work. ‘Perception’ is marked by an exuberant top line riff and steely percussive layers and makes for a colourful addition to any set. ‘Wasted’ is muscular techno at its finest, finished with a glistening layer of melody. No surprise the collection went down a treat at Warehouse Project, Drumcode Halloween and Dockyard Festival, among others. The duo are in irresistible form.

Tunnel Vision II

Pig&Dan — Wasted — Drumcode — DC222

Independent record label owned by Adam Beyer.