Djrum is all about defying expectations. Whether behind the decks or in the studio, the UK artist (real name Felix Manuel) thrives on unpredictability. Known for his daring three-turntable DJ sets, he seamlessly—or intentionally unseamlessly—jumps between genres, tempos, and moods. Atmospheric breaks and skillful turntablism fuel his transitions, which can often be audaciously raw. Sometimes, he doesn’t even bother with traditional beatmatching; he simply drops the track in and adjusts on the fly. It’s rough around the edges by design, as Djrum himself explained to Resident Advisor: “A lot of the time, the seams are the interesting parts.”
In his productions, Djrum also avoids staying in one lane. His early tracks, steeped in post-Burial bass-music vibes, unfolded like patchwork suites, filled with contrasting tones and rhythms. Take his recent remix of Objekt’s “Ganzfeld,” which crams ambient flourishes and three distinct tempos into a sprawling 10-minute journey. Yet, for a long time, his dreamy, introspective sound seemed to overshadow the chaotic brilliance of his live sets. His latest EP, Meaning’s Edge—his first solo release in five years—finally bridges that gap, offering a more complete view of his artistry. Across its five tracks, Djrum refines his sound, shedding some of the sentimentality of earlier works while doubling down on rhythmic intensity.
Take “Crawl,” for instance—a relentless, 170-BPM track that feels like an alarm you can’t turn off. Its jittery drum hits dart around the stereo field, creating a surreal, almost vertigo-inducing experience. The interplay of cavernous reverb and dry, crisp percussion keeps you on edge, evoking both awe and unease. In contrast, “Frekm pt. 1” starts light and playful with Manuel’s flute melodies, only to morph into a lurching, off-kilter electro groove. Its counterpart, “Frekm pt. 2,” shifts gears into a floor-shaking techno-jungle hybrid, laced with dubstep wubs and fleeting melodies.
“Codex” is where it all comes together. Layers of intricate drums and jazz-inspired rhythms meet menacing basslines and flashes of Detroit techno. The result feels like a masterclass in controlled chaos—equal parts violent and beautiful. Subtle details, like chimes and flutes, add an unexpected elegance to the mayhem. Djrum’s ability to weave such disparate elements into a cohesive whole is nothing short of mesmerizing.
