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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.

Full force into 2017, Drumcode has announced the release of Layton’s debut album with “Where It Begins” this February. 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.

Teasing us with a sample, Drumcode has released “Good Violence” – thumping from the get-go in true Drumcode fashion, this track is a pure dance floor destroyer. Laced in some heavy low end power, slapping percussion and a hypnotic synth pad to build up that late night tension just right.

Layton Giordani - Good Violence - 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

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.

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Pascal Bading