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 - Voices - Drumcode

A Small Decline (Mark Broom D

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With their ‘Moving Forward’ track widely regarded as one of the highlight cuts from Drumcode’s recent ‘A-Sides’ compilation, Manic Brothers make their full debut on the label with this four-track EP of elegantly industrial techno. ‘Custom Illusion’ sets the tone for the EP’s mechanical yet melodic aesthetic, shunting and shimmering in equal measure as it weaves a tensely poised atmosphere. ‘Black Bay’ works up a full force groove punctuated by a pitch-bent elastic hook and panning effects. ‘Restless’ continues the exploration of sparse feelings with a marching, cavernous groove and abrasive pulsing pads while ‘Gone Too Soon’ conjures up an enchanting wall of sound with the distinctive melodic hook adding a warm hypnotic charm to a backdrop of resounding, pounding beats.

DC99 03 Manic Brothers - Restless - clip

DCCD02 - 11 - Alan Fitzpatrick - Bird Talk - Drumcode clip

Gregor has delivered four outstanding tracks for Drumcode that are creative, whilst still functional. Relevance uses a filtered, bubbling synth line and sparse percussion effectively to build a groove that will rip through any club. System X uses a detuned synth stab and an unusual bass line harmoniously to construct a track that sounds like its from out of space. Secura is a straight-laced techno groover that uses some distinctively unfamiliar sounds. The track is gelled together with a repetitive hum sound that adds to the groove. The fourth track on the EP; Call To Arms, uses a melodic rhythmic sequence and reverberated drums to eloquently smash any dancefloor.

A Small Decline (Mark Broom D

vanesa Muñoz

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