Vocal veterans DRS & Dynamite present ÔPlaying In The DarkÕ, the debut LP from their collaborative project released on Hospital Records. These two pivotal figures, who have stood at the forefront of drum & bass for over two decades, have now teamed up with an array of globally respected producers including Calibre, Roni Size, Nu:Tone, S.P.Y, DJ Zinc, Chimpo and DJ Marky, to create an uncharted 16-track LP. Following on from the success of the pairÕs first single ÔFix It All (feat. London Elektricity)Õ, sit back and get ready to embark on the lyrical journey of a lifetime.
Getting straight to work, ÔBack & ForthÕ sees the flows of DRS & Dynamite effortlessly bounce off each other over a relentless S.P.Y instrumental. Cold bars and a fierce bassline set the track up to be timeless, that will ignite sound systems worldwide. Following suit, rave legend DJ Zinc lends his vast depths of experience for ÔGet DownÕ, a high energy roller with bouncing vocal hooks, energising drums and that signature catchy low-end that ZincÕs become so famed for.
Affirming his status as a true mic champion, DRS demonstrates an ability to complement his heavy hitting flows with dynamic vocal melodies in title track ÔPlaying In The Dark (feat. The Vanguard Project)Õ, coupled with DynamiteÕs sharp and meaningful lyrics, they explore the importance and inequality surrounding MC and lyricist culture within D+B. Reminiscent of their love for pirate radio, ÔHighrise FMÕ sees DRS & Dynamite reflect on memories of spreading music and good vibes which still shines brightly to this day. The track is produced by none other than the liquid-funk, ambient and downtempo pioneer Calibre. Leading figure of the jungle and drum & bass movement Roni Size also steps up for ÔNot The Fakes OnesÕ. This remarkable link up of three legends within the scene culminates in a truly up front and in your face record, exactly what weÕve come to expect from the Reprazent pioneer.
DRS first came across Dynamite during his time in Roni SizeÕs Bristol collective Reprazent, the winners of the 1997 Mercury Prize ÔAlbum Of The YearÕ, now showing full circle movements in 2020. ÔPlaying In The DarkÕ pays respect to this collaboration and the combination of styles which is signalled so clearly throughout DRS and DynamiteÕs sound. As Dynamite explains that Òthe producers [brought] their palletsÓ for himself and DRS Òto paint onÓ, the duo were able to convey their message, history and wisdom in one of the most boundary pushing projects that drum & bass has seen.
