10 Liquid Drum & Bass tracks that defined the genre
At S&C Festival, it’s no secret we’re big fans of Drum & Bass. Anyone who’s raved with us in our Big Top ‘Energy’ Tent can appreciate the love we have for breaks and basslines, and our home city of Cambridge is one of the genre’s hotspots. Now, 25 years since its birth, we look back on some of the soulful classics that Liquid D&B has blessed us with over the years…
1. Chase & Status - Love’s Theme [Bingo Beats]
Before the global success and a string of hit records Chase & Status were once the up and comers in Drum & Bass. Their second release on Bingo Beats at the time was the fan favourite Love’s Theme, featuring a tasteful sample of Willie Hutch – although we suspect if you’re reading this you might be too young to remember him!
2. The Streets - It’s Too Late (High Contrast Remix) [679/Locked On]
Featured in the legendary High Contrast Essential Mix in 2003(!), this tasty number is enough to make any joint Streets and Drum & Bass fan weak at the knees. HC + Mike Skinner is always going to be a winning formula, and to experience this under-sung classic from Original Prirate Material given the D&B treatment is pure joy.
3. Jaheim - Put That Woman First (Calibre Remix) [Warner Bros]
Remixing one of the great voices of RnB into a D&B track is never going to be an easy feat, but we can naturally count on one of the true greats to pull it off with finesse. Calibre remains high on all of our lists.
4. Commix - Be True [Metalheadz]
The haunting Sade vocal in the intro, the sublime Reese bassline on the drop, the infectious vocal line throughout. If there was a recipe list for gorgeous Drum & Bass, this tune would have all the ingredients.
5. Uncut ft. Jenna G - Midnight (MIST Remix) [Warner Elektra]
Another brilliantly original take on an already great track, from the even greater minds of Marcus Intalex (Rest in Peace) and ST Files in collaboration. Jenna G lending her vivacious vocals to the mix is a true treat as well.
6. Logistics - Together [Hospital]
We can’t really mention Liquid D&B without including Hospital Records or Logistics. His breakout tune, and a firm staple in their respective back catalogues, is still rightly doing the rounds today in sets across the world. A shining example of the smooth, soulful brand of Drum & Bass music Hospital has become synonymous with.
7. Marcus Intalex - Temperance [Soul:r]
We also had to include a solo Marcus Intalex track in our list, as one of the true pioneers whose legacy will live on for a long time. Released on his own label Soul:r back in 2004, this 7 minute(!) journey through sound is almost symphonic in its scope and depth, a masterpiece which still influences up and coming producers to this day.
8. London Elektricity - Out Of This World (D Kay Remix) [Hospital]
It would be wrong not to shout out another of Liquid’s forefathers and originators London Elektricity, a.k.a Tony Colman, founder and big boss at Hospital. With a wealth of genre-defining work stretching back 20 years under his belt, there are so many we could pick – but this vintage ‘fast soul music’, complete with the trademark orchestral instrumentation, is a favourite. D Kay beefs up the bass and breaks, and gives us a wobble synth for good measure, creating a euphoric smile-starter of a tune.
9. Calibre - Mr. Right On [Signature Recs.]
There’s not a lot we can say that will do this track justice, but Calibre’s masterful blend of Jazz, Drum & Bass and percussive expertise is quite neatly summed up by Mr. Right On. The sultry piano in the intro and the Saxophone throughout the main section of the track still make our mouths water. Whether you’re in XOYO or a beach in Croatia, this one is guaranteed to provide the vibes.
10. High Contrast - Kiss Kiss Bang Bang [Hospital]
Could our Liquid classics list end with anything else? An anthem of the genre from one of its most talented and proficient producers. From its achingly cool, half-time hip-hop intro; to the masterful vocal sampling; to the chest-shaking bassline ambushing us on the drop – as close to perfection as possible from Lincoln Barrett. And anyone who can turn ‘Cry Me A River’ into a Drum & Bass banger is a genius.