Arcatype are the drum and bass trio of Karl Mann, Justin Mann, and Tommy Emrich-Mills. They began releasing together in 2015, with early material appearing on Ingredients Records, followed by music for C.I.A., Vandal, Symmetry, and Carbon Music. Justin also records as Minor Forms.
Their approach depends on working together in the studio, even when geography makes those sessions difficult to arrange. Discussing the Roll Call EP with UKF in 2024, the trio described a process in which Karl supplied samples, Tommy developed musical elements and progressions, and Justin assembled their contributions. A dub techno sample provided the starting point for 3 AM, the first track written for the release.
The three-track EP followed Return on Jubei’s Carbon Music. Arcatype described both records as part of the same creative thread, drawing on reese basslines, rolling drums, and detailed sampling. They have spoken of their attachment to the deeper end of drum and bass and their preference for releasing music only when all three members are satisfied with it.
