Back catalogue: Techno

Review: Gargantuan-room techno trailblazers Drumcode return with 'The A Sides Vol 11 - Pt. 7'. If the title is any indicator enough - and no, it's not irony - this is a stonking closer to a mammoth seven-12" compilation series. The love-em-or-hate-em label always deliver a rave romp for titans, barging past polite types with frick-off bits from A.D.H.S., Julian Jewell, Marco Faraone and Gary Beck. Topping off a project originally conceived in 2012, this is a pulsing sensation suitable for both budding techno enthusiasts and chinstokers willing to let their hair loose for once.

Review: Adam Beyer and Green Velvet are legendary names in techno music for over 30 years now. Their powerhouse track 'Simulator' receives a set of fresh remixes, extending to some producers to show off their version of this lofty new classic. First up, Mha Iri, a pivotal figure for Drumcode, delivers a scorching remix. She retains the original's fierce bass stabs, using them as formidable motifs, while injecting an abundance of intensity through electrifying builds and drops. Next, Odd Mobb, an emerging talent from Australia recognized by Fred Everything and Skrillex, infuses his four-minute rework with high energy. His remix emphasises the low-end elements and introduces vibrant new bursts of color, creating a dynamic rendition that keeps listeners engaged. Finally, Chris Avantgarde, known for his inventive productions, crafts a remix that defies genre boundaries. Combining elements of breaks, bass, electronica and techno, his interpretation spreads across all of his personal influences. Pressed on neon green 'rippled' vinyl, this record looks as dangerous as it sounds.

Review: Drumcode's Elevate series hits a third instalment here and this time it is a three tracker with solo cuts from three big names. Tini Gessler kicks off with 'Nothing Expected' which is a teeth-gritting and white knuckle techno roller. Marie Vaunt serves up monstrously large and slamming kicks on 'Technology' and then runs them through with brutal synth lines that spray about with their own dark energy. It's a truly edgy cut before BEC's 'Humanoid' layers up hard tech drums that slam down firmly with a warped lead which leads you late into the night. A trio of high impact weapons, for sure.

Review: Layton Giordani's latest release Freaks At Night on Drumcode Sweden delivers two heavyweight tracks that are sure to ignite any mainfloor. On Side-1, 'Freaks At Night' pulses with high energy, seamlessly blending sci-fi elements with big room techno. The track's standout feature is its clever use of the classic house sample, 'the way we used to do it,' adding a nostalgic twist to its futuristic vibe. Side-2 introduces the 'New Generation' (Space 92 Remix), a dynamic track that feels like a journey through deep space. The menacing bassline and powerful rhythm create a sense of unstoppable momentum, making it a go-to choice for peak-time sets. Both tracks are built to command attention, offering DJs a tough decision on which side to unleash. Whether you lean towards the energetic nostalgia of 'Freaks At Night' or the dark, driving force of 'New Generation,' this release is a strong addition to any techno collection.

Review: Drumcode and its Swedish founder Adam Beyer have rather become synonymous with big room sounds known as business techno. They don't do anything to shed that tag here with two more epic sounds designed to wash over vast crowds in the world's largest super clubs. Layton Giordani & HI-LO aka Oliver Heldens kick off with 'Rabbit Hole' which is a wall of grainy synth and rolling drums that is simple but effective. Charles D's 'Traction' is another coarsely textured techno roller with splashes of industrial synth and a general sense of subtle elevation.

Review: Drumcode's limited series is back with a bang here as Simina Grigriu steps up with four thrilling and rolling cuts that will destroy any main room. The drums are front and centre on 'Declare Me' as they power on beneath twanging synths and pulsing beeps. 'Astral Waters' has a more funky techno style with glitchy claps and rolling bass, then 'Technology Of Prayer' brings trance-tinged synths to the party. It's one to get hands in the air before the closer 'The Right Calibre' sinks back into a deeper techno sound with rubbery kicks and hypnotic synth loops.

Review: The all powerful Drumcode label still does a fine line in big room techno after countless years and even more releases of the stuff. This third part of the A Sides collection brings together a towering selection of names from that scene including Tiger Stripes with the smooth cruise that is 'Altar'. Veterans Pig & Dan vs Gregor Tresher get more intense with frosty loops and dubby hits building a vibe and Wehbba ups the ante with acid daubs and fizzing drums on 'The Next Step.' Nicole Moudaber's 'Come To My Beat' (feat Romina) then hammer home a hefty techno groove.