Drumcode Sweden Vinyl & CDs

Review: Drumcode presents the second iteration of their soon-to-be-long-running 'Elevate' series, which in their usual audacious fashion features no less than eight label debutantes take the reigns on huge room techno production duties. The compilation's manifesto is simple: platform a broader range of emerging artists on Drumcode and help elevate the next generation to make strides in their careers. With that, we have the delight of selecting our picks of the bunch (all personal preference, of course, though you can trust our picks are educated guesses): in this case, it's got to be the slightly wonky and out-of-the-ordinary ones, those being Simina Grigoriu's 'Global Soldier' and Marie Vaunt's 'ADSR'.

Review: Manifest drumcode signee Mha Iri shares her latest 'Neon Storm', where geometric blitzes and "get-down" vocals excoriate the dancefloor. The lead track screams with colossal, sinking-feeling synth design, as though a War Of The Worlds tripod were heard stomping on skyscrapers a city away, and that this could possibly an exciting, not terrifying experience. 'Moving Machines' firms the bio-mechanoid vibe, with its added chord crimps, glottal mids and ultra-processed kick centres.

Review: This EP marks a rather monumental milestone for Swedish label Drumcode: it is the 300th release but out by Adam Beyer's agenda setting big room stable and it still bares all the hallmarks of the label that first emerged decades ago. Namely that is big drums with a weighty dose of concrete funk, earth-shattering hits and flashy strobe-like snares. A female vocal is also daubed throughout this one to add a little extra spice. On the flip side of Mha Iri's Bombay EP is 'Existence' which is another one that will rattle walls of any club and blow away the dance floor with its sheer techno power.