Drumcode

Originally released as part of a vinyl only Drumcode Ltd release, Mark Broom sent me his own version a couple of years back but I decided it was so good that it needed to be heard so I included this never-to-be-released edit of 'Eyes Wide Open' on my Fabric 87 mix compilation. 

Eyes Wide Open

Eyes Wide Open (Mark Broom's Unreleased Edit)

Highlighting sets everywhere from Awakenings during ADE to Spazio 900 in Rome, the tracks are hard-hitting master studies in industrial-edged techno.  ‘Future’ is a chunky stomper perfect for the winter warehouse party season, as multi-layered synths and effects rub shoulders with heavy-set drums to ensure this one hits its target.

Adam Beyer Vs Dense & Pika - Future - Drumcode - DC166

Highlighting sets everywhere from Awakenings during ADE to Spazio 900 in Rome, the tracks are hard-hitting master studies in industrial-edged techno. ‘Going Down’ is built around a deep menacing vocal, as subterranean bass drums, thundering kicks and a sinister synth line combine for a high impact finish. ‘Future’ is a chunky stomper perfect for the winter warehouse party season, as multi-layered synths and effects rub shoulders with heavy-set drums to ensure this one hits its target.

Adam Beyer Vs Dense & Pika - Going Down - Drumcode - DC166

2017’s first Drumcode release comes in the form of chart topping regular Julian Jeweil, who’ll be putting out his first solo effort on the label. Jeweil’s ‘Rolling EP’ showcases his skill as a producer and kicks off with the emphatic title track ‘Rolling’. The perfect soundtrack for the early hours in the club, this sweaty affair proves just why he’s at the top of the game right now. ‘Venice’ and ‘Blue’ illustrate his signature sound to a tee, with the EP’s final track ‘Traffic’ an acid-tinged behemoth, guaranteed to light up any set.

Julian Jeweil – Traffic – Drumcode – DC167

Julian Jeweil – Blue – Drumcode – DC167

Julian Jeweil – Venice – Drumcode – DC167

Julian Jeweil – Rolling – Drumcode – DC167

Timmo follows up his debut Drumcode release ‘We Beat On’ with a brand new 4-tracker packed to the rafters with his own unique blend of techno. His productions are getting plays from the likes of Adam Beyer, Joseph Capriati and Richie Hawtin amongst others; 2017 is set to be his biggest year yet. 

Timmo’s unique sound has captured the eyes and ears of many highly revered techno DJs around the world and his ‘System’ release is a stark reminder of exactly why this is. ‘Intensify’ is a big room record that is set to do some real damage on dance floors worldwide. This peak time tool thumps through 7 minutes of power, dragging you in and throwing you out the other side as the track rolls on. 
‘The Maze’ is an example of his excellent production, with his use of synths on a level that some producers take years to hone. ‘System’ is a haunting track, authentic four-to-the-floor techno that screams in to top gear right from the off. The release closes with the more groove and bass line laden ‘Together’. One of those tracks that is guaranteed to get stuck in your head…

Timmo – Together – Drumcode – DC168

Timmo – System – Drumcode – DC168

Timmo – The Maze – Drumcode – DC168

Timmo – Intensify – Drumcode – DC168

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

After appearing on A-Sides Volume 4 at the start of 2016, Ilario Alicante now makes his full debut on the label. He has quickly established himself as a key player amongst a new crop of techno artists and truly is one of the brightest stars in the game. His skills behind the decks have seen him tour the globe with Cocoon, as well as appear at the likes of elrow, Lovefest and We Are FSTVL.

Opening with ‘Times’, the EP gets off to a flying start as the track rages straight into top gear, rolling through 6 minutes of pure power. This is a peak time tool that is set to be heard across dance floors worldwide this year. ‘Awakened’ you may have heard from Adam Beyer’s sets of late, a firm favourite which gets his much sought after seal of approval. Rampant syths and mesmerizing vocal hooks all make it one hell of a journey. ‘Sense’ is a more industrial affair, chunky basslines take your hand through the track as it charges on. It’s that classic deep Ilario Alicante sound we all know and love. The EP finishes off on ‘Apogeo’, with its hypnotic siren tones and acute percussion. One thing is for sure, Ilario Alicante is in a league of his own.

Ilario Alicante - Apogeo - Drumcode - DC169

Ilario Alicante - Sense - Drumcode - DC169

Ilario Alicante - Awakened - Drumcode - DC169

Ilario Alicante - Times - Drumcode - DC169

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.

Drumcode

Ryan Kew