After the success of the first A-sides compilation in 2012, Adam Beyer has decided its time to release another. With Adam's stature steadily growing as one of the leading talents in the Techno scene and the rise of Drumcode, the standard of demo's that have been sent to Adam have been top notch. Adam has now decided to release two compilations with 10 tracks on each, both consisting of tracks that Adam has tried and tested. There are also new artists that have been invited to release on Drumcode for this compilation and others who are a staple in Drumcode's core family. Combining both old and new talents Drumcode have come up with something unique and distinctive to make this two-part compilation something extra special.

Joel Mull - Gallop - Drumcode - DC129

Adam Beyer is back on Drumcode with an impressive array of tracks that will get the senses tingling and shows us what Drumcode is all about. These 4 tracks are deep and almost melancholic in their approach to techno, using effects to really help enforce an ambience only Beyer can achieve within his productions. The under lying throbbing of the drums drives this EP into the forefront of the heads down Drumcode sound and have been heard in many of Beyer’s phenomenal sets throughout the year.

Adam Beyer - That Would Be The Sun - Drumcode - DC141

EARTH

Space Trip

Premiere: Ken Ishii - Reality Tunnel (DJ Jock Remix)

Felix Kröcher - You Don't Know But (Mattew Jay Remix) - CSMD101

Making his debut on Drumcode in 2017 with his track ‘Fake’ featured on the A-Sides Vol 6 compilation, one of Brazil’s much loved exports Wehbba brings us his first full EP this February with ‘Eclipse’.

A no nonsense 4 track offering, and all thoroughly road tested by Adam, they have gained much support from longtime Drumcode fans. Eclipse, delivers a low end rumble along with a modulating synth line. Reigning high throughout the track, is the undeniably catchy and unique synth. Leaving this track one to be recognised on dancefloors all over the world.

‘Protocol’ doesn't turn down the pace, straight into a chugging hypnotic drive, this track leaks with attitude, along it’s eerie undertones.

Probably the most acid influenced track of the EP, ‘Glasswerk’ has a futuristic modular synth riff which thunders along a hypnotic bass line which flows nicely into ‘Framework’ to close out the EP. Its punchy and powerful kick sits alongside the cleverly crafted synth pattern, taking this track into a dark zone with a groovy element still resonant.

Wehbba - Framework - Drumcode - DC185

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.

Pig&Dan - Pushing On - Drumcode - DC195

Spektre - The Dreamer

Pig&Dan signal their first solo outing on Drumcode since 2016, with a stirring four-track work.

The duo stands as one of electronic music’s most prolific artists, shapeshifting between different shades of house and techno over a 15+ year period, all the while displaying a startling breadth that’s ensured their enduring demand. Their relationship with Adam Beyer has solidified over the years, first impressing with a debut EP ‘Mexico’ in 2016, before collaborating with the Swede himself in 2017 for the fantastic four-tracker ‘Capsule’, a notable highlight. With their contribution to last year’s A-Sides compilation ‘La Bruja’ one of the strongest of the bunch, their return for a full-length EP is timely. 

Title track ‘Infinity’ is rave-infused stadium techno crafted to perfection, driven by an undulating melodic lead that builds to a tension-packed break, before the chords re-appear and propel the track toward a trippy finale. Vocal cut ‘Losing Part of Me’ is momentous, with punchy bass and pin-sharp percussion juxtaposing superbly with the emotive vocal and laser-kissed melodic touches. ‘Terrax’ is propelled by woozy synth leads that escalate in intensity, before unexpectedly dropping into a series of soothing synth interludes, before slamming back in with purpose. The EP concludes with ‘Plex’, as a brooding melody line is paired with pumping percussion for an atmosphere-heavy finale. 

Tracklist: 

1. Pig&Dan – Infinity 
2. Pig&Dan – Losing Part of Me
3. Pig&Dan – Terrax
4. Pig&Dan – Plex

Pig&Dan - Terrax - Drumcode - DC201

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