The 12th volume of Drumcode’s flagship ‘A-Sides’ series is set to land, featuring 20 cuts spanning the breadth of the techno spectrum, with Carl Cox making his label debut. The annual compilation serves to showcase some of Adam Beyer’s favourite demos throughout the year, as the label boss enjoys the opportunity to introduce new artists to the label, while showcasing cuts from label mainstays.
Continuing with tradition, a wave of emerging talent land on the label for the first time, including emerging Spanish DJ/producer Danny Avila who links with grime artist Flowdan for ‘My Crew’, as Flowdan raps over his acid-tinged instrumental.
Carl Cox makes his first appearance on the label, sharing a re-rub of ‘Take Me There’, the 2021 collaboration between Adam Beyer and DJ Rush.
Massano is another stepping up for his label debut, the Liverpudlian crafts techno and ‘Betrayal’ is no exception. Matt Guy’s brand of house and techno is imbued with a distinct sense of ‘90s
sass, exemplified by ‘Give Me What I Want’. LAAT follows up last year’s ‘A-Sides’ debut with ‘Age of Juno’.
The label also welcomes back recent additions into its roster, HI-LO and Mha Iri. The Dutchman’s ‘Submarine’ reinforces his studio skills, while the Scotswoman follows up summer’s ‘The
Unexpected’ with ‘Bell’ that espouses fierce industrial energy.
Marie Vaunt follows up her maiden label releases on the ‘Elevate’ compilation from earlier this year, using her own vocals to clever effect. Kuukou Records founder Simina Grigoriou is another appearing on the imprint for the first time and she delivers ‘Flight Tracker’, a rolling percussive tool that contrasts the other peak-time fare on the compilation.
Other highlights include Chris Avantgarde’s ‘The Last Time’, that manages to balance his take on techno with club rhythms. Marco Faraone’s ‘RENEMIND’ pops via a famous sample. And then there’s Adam Beyer, who apparently caps off one of the most prolific production years of his career, with the bassline-driven ‘Heading South’.
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