SEBA, ROBERT MANOS — Automatic

Seba & Robert Manos – Automatic is the newest 12-inch offering from Secret Operations (SECOPS040). Arriving in December 2026, the drum-and-bass duo returns with a concise two-track record that continues the kinetic, bass-heavy aesthetic that has defined their output on the label. Within Secret Operations’ recent catalogue, Automatic follows a string of Seba-centric releases. Earlier this year the label put out Seba’s “Autonomous” (SECOPS039), while 2025 saw the “Ingaro 4x12” (SECOPSLP002 NIOCOVER) and “Ingaro remixes” (SECOPS037 NOCOVER) arrive. The 2024 “Mako / Phil Tangent Remixes” (SECOPS038) and the 2023 “Skogsrået” collaboration with Bjorn Berglund (SECOPS036) also sit in the same vein, establishing a continuity of deep, rolling drum-and-bass that Automatic now extends. Side A opens with the title track “Automatic”. The piece has been a staple of the duo’s sets for the past year, earning regular rotation and a notable live rendition by Robert Manos at SunAndBass 2025. Its structure provides a driving momentum that works both as a peak-time statement and as a flexible building block for DJs seeking to sustain energy. The track’s placement on the record gives it a natural lead-in to the B-side, while its familiar yet fresh approach reflects the duo’s evolving production palette. Side B delivers “Your summer is my winter”, a contrasting mood that shifts the record’s narrative toward a cooler, more introspective groove. Positioned after the high-octane opener, the B-side offers a subtle reduction in intensity, allowing the mix to breathe before re-engaging the dancefloor. Its title suggests a play of seasonal opposites, and the track’s pacing makes it suitable for late-night transitions or as a bridge between more aggressive cuts. For Seba, Automatic sits alongside a prolific run of releases across several labels. On Secret Operations the artist has already delivered “Autonomous” (SECOPS039, 2026) and earlier “Ingaro” projects, while collaborations such as “Skogsrået” (SECOPS036, 2023) show a willingness to explore darker textures. The partnership with Robert Manos on this EP reinforces a recurring collaborative thread that has been a hallmark of Seba’s recent output. Robert Manos, though less documented in the supplied data, contributes a performance-driven sensibility evident in the live rendition of “Automatic”. In the broader context of contemporary underground drum-and-bass, Automatic exemplifies the balance between club-ready propulsion and nuanced mood shifts that many forward-looking producers pursue. The record does not aim for novelty for its own sake; instead, it refines the duo’s signature sound, offering a clear entry point for listeners familiar with Secret Operations’ catalogue and a fresh perspective for newcomers. From a DJ’s viewpoint, the EP’s two-track format is ideal for quick set-ups. “Automatic” can be dropped as a high-energy opener or as a mid-set surge, while “Your summer is my winter” works well for winding down a set or for creating a contrast before a heavier climax. The tracks’ lengths and sequencing facilitate seamless mixing, and the vinyl medium provides the tactile control prized by collectors and turntablists alike. The record is pressed as a 12-inch vinyl, matching the format of the label’s recent releases. Its straightforward presentation respects the analog tradition while delivering the crisp, punchy low end expected from modern drum-and-bass productions. Seba & Robert Manos – Automatic, Secret Operations, catalogue SECOPS040, 12-inch vinyl, two tracks. Tracklist: A1. Seba & Robert Manos – Automatic B1. Seba & Robert Manos – Your summer is my winter