Adam Beyer – Explorer Vol. 1 [Drumcode]
Adam Beyer, the revered Swedish producer, DJ and label head of Drumcode and Truesoul returns with a brand-new studio album, Explorer Vol. 1, his first in over 20 years. Having consistently pushed the boundaries of techno in his own 30+ years of releases, while his imprints have launched many new artists and boosted the clout of major stars, it’s time for a new era for Adam Beyer and his music.
After a prolific slew of superb EPs, singles and collabs spanning 20 years, Explorer Vol.1 marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Adam. A culmination of his whole past creative journey, Adam has taken inspiration from everything he’s learnt and poured it into this new record. Still hungry to explore different sounds and new genres Explorer Vol.1 reflects permutations of Adam’s headspace and who he is, celebrating his personal interests and influences including in sci-fi, both musically and visually.
“This album’s been a long time coming, and in many ways, it’s a reflection of a journey, both creatively and personally,” says Adam.
Following his first album Ignition Key just a few years into his career in 2002, Adam was already feeling the demand to push beyond the boundaries of the straight-up techno sound he was known for. Ignition Key was about experimentation and stepping outside of his comfort zone, but after that, life happened; kids, touring, and a huge number of singles and EPs meant albums took a backseat. Then came COVID and like a lot of artists, Adam found himself with unexpected time and space to create. He ended up making a whole album, which never saw the light of day. “I went deep with that project, maybe too deep, explored a bit too far, it didn’t quite land where I wanted. But it was essential,” reflects Adam. Having learned a lot in the process, Adam updated his production techniques, started working with new engineers and laid the groundwork for what would eventually become Explorer Vol. 1. The result is some of the best music he’s ever made; 16-tracks of classic electronic sounds with a modern edge and timeless energy from start to finish.
“This record is where I’ve landed after years of evolving, not just as a DJ and producer, but as a person. It captures everything I’m into now; a little bit of melodic techno, traces of Afro house, Detroit influences, some breakbeats, and of course, the Drumcode DNA. It’s a true reflection of where I’m at, not just peak-time bangers, but a full sonic journey. And after so much internal change, Explorer felt like the perfect title.”
The album opens with Silent Mapping, a collaboration with Italian composer Coco Francavilla, known for her ambient work and film scores on the likes of Blade Runner and Hunger Games. It’s analog-driven, cinematic and thematically about reclaiming control over music, creativity and the self; exactly where we find Adam in 2025. We then hit the ground running with Taking Back Control – a hypnotic banger with a driving, addictive refrain. A real statement of intent, this is Adam Beyer at his best, showcasing a confidence that only comes from 30 years at the top of his game. Truesoul/Drumcode alumni Layton Giordani brings his signature drums to Alto, which samples an iconic vocal. It’s euphoric, emotional and written in a major key which is rare for Adam’s music.
Next up is the thought-provoking title track Explorer released earlier this year. Dark and brooding, itsmetallic chain of notes accompanies techno beats & hi-hats, with deep bass stabs and snatches of chopped spoken word with intentionally cryptic lyrics. “It could be about the journey of the album, or something more political, depending on how you hear it. That’s intentional” says Adam.
Moody melodies meet modern techno/rap hybrid in the shape of Circus Freaks, whilst Waypoint packs a punch as the fastest cut on the album with its nod to old-school techno grooves complete with a big drop, rolling bassline and bounce. Desolate Lands with ChrisAvantgarde is already getting a massive reaction in clubs,whilst Accelerate featuring British vocalist Kyozo merges techno and tech house, simple and effective with a vocal that says it all. Tanit is one of the few tracks that carried over from Adam’s unreleased COVID album. With an almost Balearic Ibiza vibe, Tanit pays homage to early Aphex Twin and classic UK breakbeat.
Julian Jeweil joins Adam on Loca – a drum workout with real mixability, energy and a screaming vocal sample that gives it character. Boundless leans into melodic Detroit-style techno and Push features more vocals from Kyozo, inspired by the Afro house wave, but with a darker Drumcode edge. Do It For The Bass is bouncy and fun whilst the laser-kissed The Distance Between Us isprobably the most unexpected track on the album. “It’s my take on indie-electronic. Arpeggiators, synths, 80s melodies, big hooks. A standout for sure. I’ve closed huge sets like Ultra and Drumsheds with it. Still not sure where it came from creatively, but I love it.” – Adam.
And don’t miss the closing tracks, Hypnotic – a collaboration with Toronto ascendent producer HNTR (ft Kyozo). It delivers in spades; a massive vibe-bringer that rolls with crunchy percussion and seductive vocal lines. And finally, The Long Way Home, anothertrack saved from the COVID sessions. Melodic, introspective and emotional, it’s the perfect outro to this volume of Explorer.
