Dienstag, 11. Februar 2014

VA- A-Sides (DC97)

ERSCHEINUNGSDATUM
2012-07-30

LABELS
Drumcode

KATALOG #
DC97

Contained within this eleven-track compilation is a collection of tracks submitted to Drumcode as demos but which didnt have other tracks to be partnered with to make up a classical Drumcode EP. Such was the quality and quantity of these stunning one-off tracks that the idea of making them into a compilation was born primarily for practical reasons. As the project grew the idea became a theme and the theme evolved into a finished project A-Sides - which tells both the story of Drumcodes recent past with familiarly high-octane tracks from Adam Beyer, Alan Fitzpatrick, Joseph Capriati, Gary Beck, Gregor Tresher and Dustin Zahn & Rachel Palmer but also gives a glance into what is to come as the likes of Patrick Siech, Luigi Madonna, Roberto Capuano, Dhillon and Manic Brothers get their chance to contribute to the shaping Drumcodes future.

Sam Paganini - Eros EP [DC096]

ERSCHEINUNGSDATUM
2012-07-09

LABELS
Drumcode

KATALOG #
DC96

Having made his debut on Drumcode in January, the evergreen Italian producer is back with another four-track EP to follow up the enormously well received Prisma EP. Supported by DJs from across the spectrum from Drumcode stalwarts like Alan Fitzpatrick (Prisma) and Slam (Self Control) through to house music legend Erick Morillo (Back To Zero), Paganinis reputation within techno circles is well established with a recent releases on boasts Plus 8, Form and Octopus Recordings alongside Drumcode.Eros sets the tone for the EP with a hypnotic fusion of mechanical robot funk pitched to a shunting percussive groove that weaves its way through subtle washes of faint vocal snippets. Egotism ups the intensity with a cavernous big room workout that pairs heavyweight throbbing bass and harmonic rhythms to create a deep, snaking sonic ride. The Gypsy slips back down through the gears to work up a bumping groove that combines exotic tribal rhythms with otherworldly effects and wonky vocoder vocals. Finally, Wooden Toys continues the percussive feel of the EP with a slamming tech cut built on a swaying groove and punctuated with distinct rhythms and drawn out pads.

Ben Sims - Air Rage EP [DC93]

ERSCHEINUNGSDATUM
2012-04-30

LABELS
Drumcode

KATALOG #
DC93

With the irresistible force of his recent contributions to the label still reverberating strongly throughout all parts of techno and beyond, Drumcode welcome back Ben Sims for another inspirational and incendiary EP of his trademark grooves. Beginning where Bens Smoke & Mirrors album left off, Air Rage EP has Sims on serious underground form; laying down punishing party grooves of abrasive, rolling rhythms while making space for splashes of full-force funk and enchanting melodic moments. Sims intuitively daring use of these contrasting energies is the source of this EPs intoxicating appeal with examples evident within all four tracks. Whether it is the looping robotic bleeps on The Parade; the funked-up electro stomp of Air Rage; the otherworldly strings in Move In Time or the harmonic bell chimes within Machine Funk.

Joseph Capriati & Adam Beyer - Congenial Endeavor Ep [DC092]

ERSCHEINUNGSDATUM
2012-03-26

LABELS
Drumcode

KATALOG #
DC92

From being label mates on Drumcode to becoming studio partners was only a matter of time for Adam Beyer and Joseph Capriati. That time finally came when they found themselves with some downtime in Stockholm following the Drumcode Christmas party. Having shared the DJ booth on many occasions, often playing back-2-back sessions, the pair has proven the musical connection between them is a potent one. Title track, Congenial Endeavor sums up this bond, not just in meaning but also by the resolute yet emotive styling of the content, which treads a line between the playful melodies and primal rhythms that characterize the music of both producers. Rubicon operates within a similar ballpark, delivering much for those seeking bombastic techno while also making room for a little cerebral depth via the intricately structured atmospherics. Family Matters provides an alternative angle; slowing the BPMs, working up a warm, hypnotic bassline and teasing out strings to create a low-slung groover that oozes late-night wonkiness.

Alan Fitzpatrick - Life Through Different Eyes Ep [DC91]

ERSCHEINUNGSDATUM
2012-03-05

LABELS
Drumcode

KATALOG #
DC91

Alan Fitzpatricks latest EP is the product of a particularly productive six months of studio time for the Drumcode regular. Containing five tracks that cover a circular range from pre-party ambiance to tripped-out melodic odyssey; vocal laced, chord driven hooks; barnstorming peak-time hammers; and 123bm afterparty grooves; there is more than the usual Drumcode fare on offer within the aptly named Life Through Different Eyes EP. A significant release for artist and label; the sonic incarnation of Fitzpatricks growing maturity as a producer and an indication as to the next evolution of the Drumcode sound.

Kaiserdisco - La Patagonia EP [DC90]

ERSCHEINUNGSDATUM
2012-02-13

LABELS
Drumcode

KATALOG #
DC90

Having completed a landmark year in 2011 with the labels 15 Year anniversary celebrations, which including a 12-date club tour and compilation album, Drumcode gets back to the future in 2012 with a busy schedule of releases and event. Those who have followed Drumcode over recent times will recognize some familiar names with new projects scheduled from Alan Fitzpatrick, Joseph Capriati, Kaiserdisco and Ben Sims, whose Smoke & Mirrors debut album was one of 2011s highlights; not just for Drumcode but for the whole techno scene. With a discography made up of labels as wide ranging as 100%% Pure, Global Underground and Drumcode it is tempting to describe Kaiserdisco as musical chameleons. Indefinitely adaptable, highly developed deliverers of exactly what is needed at exactly the right time. This definition is certainly apt when it comes to the duos output for Drumcode; such is the niche that Kaiserdisco have carved out for themselves via their previous tracks for the label. Even a eye-opening switch up in the toughness of their beats on La Patagonia EP didnt stop Adam Beyer from immediately falling for this latest double-barrel blast of pacey techno funk. An overwhelmingly positive time spent touring Argentina and Chile was the inspiration for the title of Kaiserdiscos latest two-tracker for Drumcode and with a little imagination it is not hard to hear where the South American vibes seep into the tracks to give them their distinct flavour. La Boca brings a rolling hypo-funk with a stuttering riff and jazzy keys managing to remain mischievous and driving at the same time while Aymara heads a little deep, drawing out an underlying dark tribalism via multi layered percussion and enchanting Shamanic sub-bass.

Sam Paganini - Prisma EP [DC89]

ERSCHEINUNGSDATUM
2012-01-16

LABELS
Drumcode

KATALOG #
DC89

For their first release of 2012, Drumcode break new ground with a debut from Italian producer, Sam Paganini. A veteran of electronic music with a discography that stretches back to 1993, Paganini has achieved notoriety over the last fifteen years with Paganini's latest output catching the ears of techno tastemakers Richie Hawtin, who released Sams Cobra EP on Plus 8, and Adam Beyer who has signed this EP for Drumcode. The Prisma EP is a pure reflection of Paganini's musical heritage. A talented drummer who has spent much of the last decade employing his skills to provide the back beat for rock bands, it will be no shock to hear the strong percussive elements that run throughout the EP and make for the construction of a recognizable Drumcode sound. Maybe less obvious, but signposted by the title of lead track, 'Prisma', is the inspiration Paganini takes from Pink Floyd in creating the dark-toned, brooding atmospherics that give the EP its defining sonic spirit.

Montag, 10. Februar 2014

Cari Lekebusch & Joseph Capriati - Missed Flight EP [DC88]

ERSCHEINUNGSDATUM
2011-09-26

LABELS
Drumcode

KATALOG #
DC88

Missed Flight sees two of Drumcodes most prominent artists, Cari Lekebusch and Joseph Capriati, team up to deliver a four track (2 vinyl, 4 digital) EP of essential modern techno. While Lekebusch is a veteran, Joseph Capriati is part of the upsurge of new talent who have been grabbing increasingly intense attention over the past few years. The pairing of a prodigious new talent (somewhat new Capriati has developed quite a catalogue for an artist in his early twenties) with someone of Lekebusch's standing is always an enticing prospect so Missed Flight looks set to turn heads from its billing alone. Missed Flight the track comes on like the perfect theme to the arrival of autumn. The tones are moody and the groove is linear, penetrating and eerily appointed. A Kubrick-esque breakdown of pulses and space is the only thing that breaks the momentum and adds a deliciously creepy characteristic to proceedings. Track two, Napoli 4AM, balances out its darker tinged predecessor with a shuffling 909 funk and playful groove combination that pairs up with subtly delayed hits deep FM synth work brilliantly. The release features two digital only cuts that come from Lekebusch alone, Entanglement and Rockturner, and they see the Swedish producers penchant for late night, woozy grooves that encapsulate the listener in varying ways. Entanglement does the job with a brooding vibe while Rockturner employs a more aggressive mood but both are fine examples of Lekebusch's ability to create enthralling techno. Cari Lekebusch & Joseph Capriati's Missed Flight is yet another essential Drumcode collaborative release.

Ida Engberg - Blue Yonder EP [DC86]

ERSCHEINUNGSDATUM
2011-09-12

LABELS
Drumcode

KATALOG #
DC86

Sweden's Ida Engberg debuts on her homeland's techno institution, Drumcode, this fall with a two track EP of persistent electronic funk, the Blue Yonder EP. Having developed a formidable reputation over the past five years as a DJ, Engberg's relationship with the family began a year ago with a ferocious EP for the Drumcode sister label Truesoul, it was only a matter of time before a Drumcode EP was sealed. Ida Engberg's reputation for tight grooves paired with dominating hooks has served her very well over the years and it's these tools in her increasingly varied production arsenal that are at the forefront of the Blue Yonder release. The title has a strong house undercurrent, which is rare for a Drumcode release, but it steadily gives way to a tapestry of looping atmospherics and repetitive percussion hits that slowly start to make Drumcode sense. The overall urgency of Blue Yonder is further pressed home with the shuffling, pulsing sub-bass that rattles underneath the detailed production. Finished off with heavily effected vocals which both unnerve and excite, its an A-side you dont want to miss out on. Junoverse on the flip displays yet more of Engberg's canny abilities in terms of arrangements and tension/release moments. The drums are relentless from the off but are built upon throughout which seems to push the track to at least two moments of fever pitch, and thats without taking into account the classic 'Vibrate' vocal samples, the brilliantly OTT rave horn and deft drops. Measured and balanced stuff, but not at the expense of sheer energetic weight.

Gary Beck - Askaig Mock Tease EP [DC84]

ERSCHEINUNGSDATUM
2011-07-24

LABELS
Drumcode

KATALOG #
DC84

Having impressed with his stripped back, percussive remix of Alan Fitzpatrick's Gridlock track, Drumcode are delighted to be giving Gary Beck his full debut on the label with his Askaig EP. Askaig illustrates Becks understanding of the Drumcode aesthetic as he contrasts the brutal force of a slamming kick, huge throbbing bass and crunchy pads with the delicate, ever-so-trippy plucked string hook via an arrangement that enhances and the raw power of the individual elements. On the flip side, Mock Tease completes the package with an end-of-night bridging track that combines the shimmering euphoric qualities of pulsing harmonics with splashes of sound effects and a marching, percussive rhythm that extenuates the epic feel of the track.

Adam Beyer & Alan Fitzpatrick - Human Reason Simple Maze EP [DC82]

ERSCHEINUNGSDATUM
2011-05-23

LABELS
Drumcode

KATALOG #
DC82

Having been closely associated for the best part of two years via Alan Fitzpatrick's output on Adam Beyers Drumcode label, it comes as little surprise that Beyer and Fitzpatrick have ended up sharing the same studio space for long enough to write some tracks together. This joint EP contains two collaborations Human Reason and Tor which the pair created during an extended stay in UK following last September's Drumcode warehouse party in London. Featured alongside the collaborations is Adam's latest solo creation Simple Maze which is accompanied by a remix from Patrick Siech to complete this heavy-weight package.

Jesper Dahlback - Interpersonal Relationship EP [DC81]

ERSCHEINUNGSDATUM
2011-04-18

LABELS
Drumcode

KATALOG #
DC81

It was way back in 1996 that Drumcode label-boss Adam Beyer turned to good friend Jesper Dahlbäck under his Lenk alias for the inaugural Drumcode 12. Now, fifteen years later, the pioneering Swede makes a return to the label under his own name for this expansive four track EP entitled Interpersonal Relationship. The incredibly detailed You Got Me opens the EP and evokes mid-nineties dancefloor workouts skilfully with a nagging vocal loop sitting atop a fluid and utterly contemporary pairing of percussion and effects. The low-slung and dubbed-out locked groove of the wonderfully titled Violent Backlash follows and comes on like a master class in controlled aggression. A relentless synth drone and lung-collapsing toms leaping from the mix is pretty much all that is needed, and all that is used. Interpersonal Relationship continues with considerable menace. A determined kick drum combines with a two note, pulsing bass while the track mutates via a mixture of clever filtering, drops, tight delays and fantastic, gently clipped conga loop. Our Love closes the EP Interpersonal Relationship EP but, despite its somewhat sentimental title, continues the aggressive themes set out in tracks one to three. Further exploring the intense vocal loop theme, it ties in nicely with the opener and completes the EP as neatly as it does explosively.

Jerome Sydenham - Trombipolution EP [DC75]

ERSCHEINUNGSDATUM
2010-12-15

LABELS
Drumcode

KATALOG #
DC75

Jerome Sydenham follows up his imposing The Visitation release for Drumcode with the 5 track Trombipolution EP. One of the few producers who can slip effortlessly from house to techno while retaining his own feel to his output, Sydenham is progressive in the true sense of the word and his pairing with Drumcode is a winning formula. Across the EP the drums take center stage, with Sydneham building intense grooves as beds for a variety of sounds ranging from abrasive synths (Trombipolution) to moody washes (Push to Enter) via traditional stabs (Bite/Amp) and penetrating leads (In the Zone). As with all of Sydenhams work, the Trombipolution EP is as laced with New York house feeling as it is with Berlins wintery techno moodiness and that is what makes it essential listening. Amp includes sample taken from The Advent "Ventad" on Colin Dales label, Abstract Dance

Sasha Carassi - Hypercombo EP [DC73]

ERSCHEINUNGSDATUM
2010-11-08

LABELS
Drumcode

KATALOG #
DC73

Sasha Carassi hails from Italy's capital of techno, Naples, and has chalked up 8 years of releases which have seen love from the breadth of the modern techno scene. His Globox label has also gained worldwide respect for its 5 years of consistently quality output while his most recent 'White Sucker EP' release for Harthouse has added further value to his stock. Having been a frequent component of Adam Beyer's DJ sets for years, Carassi was asked to deliver an EP for the Drumcode imprint and 'Hypercombo' is the result. Comprising 5 tracks of typically uncompromising techno which live up to the Drumcode reputation, 'Hypercombo' rounds off a year of blistering releases from Slam, Alexi Delano, Beyer, Gregor Tresher and many more. Each track, while visceral and and at times brilliantly savage, features the sort of detail which Carassi believes is so important in music. From the carefully placed percussive flourishes in the title track to the all encompassing atmospherics of Diamond, there are continually shifting components building extreme tension throughout the EP.

Patrick Siech - Crude EP [DC72]

ERSCHEINUNGSDATUM
2010-10-25

LABELS
Drumcode

KATALOG #
DC72

Drumcode's seemingly endless list of Swedish talent further expands with 'Crude' from Patrick Siech who makes his debut for revered imprint this Winter. A long term promoter and DJ in Sweden, Siech's transition to production has been a sucessful one, following a few releases for the Kant label, is now welcomed aboard Adam Beyer's long-running techno mainstay. 'Crude', due to the combination of incredibly detailed (and tripped-out) edits/sound evolution and a lolloping loose bassline, is a woozy peak time anthem which doesn't quit. B-side, 'Bad Carnival', is a heavily percussive, contemporary tribal techno cut which takes no prisoners. Complete with the sort of inebriated bassline as its A-Side counterpart but with an additional sense of percussive menace, 'Bad Carnival' makes for yet another nicely weighted Drumcode release.

Gregor Tresher - Through Dusty Windows EP [DC71]

ERSCHEINUNGSDATUM
2010-10-04

LABELS
Drumcode

KATALOG #
DC71

Frankfurt-based Gregor Tresher is the latest addition to Drumcode's growing roster of talent as he makes his debut on DC with his 'Through Dusty Windows' EP. From the the bumping groove of the title track 'Through Dusty Windows' to the widescreen sounds of the 'Sidewinder', Tresher has delivered three tracks which further the Drumcode mission perfectly. Detuned keys sit atop powerful grooves to create commanding late night techno with a well judged sense of funk throughout. The swinging tenseness of 'Never Care' rounds off the brilliant originals but, as always with Drumcode there's just a little bit more, this time from Reset Robot. As you'd expect from an artist who debuted on 2000AndOnes 100% Pure imprint, the Reset Robot remix of 'Sidewinder' is an infectious, drummy tech-house funker with uncomprimising dancefloor appeal.

Slam - Vespula EP [DC094]

ERSCHEINUNGSDATUM
2012-05-28

LABELS
Drumcode

KATALOG #
DC94

Presented as a three-track EP, Slams latest body of work for Drumcode covers a range of styles, drawing on their vast experience of the multi-colored nature of techno. Vespula, with its resolute groove and low, humming bass works the speakers hardest, while synth stabs, dramatic drawn out chords and a distinctive two-tone hook add contrast. Resume puts musicality to the fore by creating a melodic ride that flows from an undulating bass line and a soaring synth line whilst retaining a strong percussive energy. Metus beats out a slow burning but impactful groove that swings between an intricate, multi-layered arrangement of wigged out atmospherics and industrial clunks and clanks