The only drum'n'bass sound you need in your life
There’s drum’n’bass and then the DnB I am listening to right now, the Music Dr’s self-prescribed prescription.
Back at university, I remember one conversation on the type of music we may be playing in our 70s and beyond. We came to the conclusion that Fila Brazillia (my best of playlist is here) would be top of the agenda.
The Hull electronic exponents haven’t waned from our thoughts. But there is now a genre to add: yes, intelligent DnB, which could be on my earphones when I hit 80 and doing a spot of gardening.
The only DnB I will listen to is from the classic early 1990s. No one knows who really coined intelligent DnB first, but presumably it was done so as jungle came on to the scene.
The atmospheric, deeper style is a cut above anything else. I play it while writing (despite the bpms, it works!), on solo walks, in the car late at night. Par excellence.
I spent time over the last few months compiling the best of the era and it’s here for readers – to be played morning, noon or night.
It pales in comparison with today’s DnB, which has gone through something of a resurgence thanks to the pandemic and TikTok (as well as the rise of Bicep and no doubt having featured on car adverts). Faster, high-octane breakbeats seems suited to the post-Covid, attention-deficient times, as well as it seems for the older crowd.
According to the Guardian, Spotify’s Planet Rave playlist is the fastest-growing playlist on the platform among 18- to 24-year-olds.
Well, here’s a playlist I’ve also mustered up of some of the new, modern DnB which passes muster and doesn’t have the furious jungle breaks. Taste both playlists and see which you think is best.
🗒️ Gig reviews
Music Dr recently ventured to Outernet off Charing Cross Road for Parra for Cuva’s biggest show to date. The German electronic artist had just enough oomph in his music to move the crowd. His music seemingly sounds the same, but yet each track offers something distinctly different. A Music Dr playlist is here
Music Dr gave you WH Lung as our lead in the last newsletter. Since then, I took a friend to see the Manchester quintet at the excellent Islington Assembly Hall. I knew they were touted as a fine live act but we were blown away by the frontman’s charisma and energy. I could even see my mate's eyes and mouth widen at his mere presence. WH Lung’s music is my find of 2024. Another playlist showing is here.