It's a double feature today! Liquidation 002, our Artist Profile on Logistics, has been released. Check it out!
And it is also the end of the year! As 2014 comes to a close, I have an obligation to wrap up my favourite liquid tunes of this year! So, without further ado, here are my top 14 liquid drum and bass tunes of 2014:
14. Fred V and Grafix - Major Happy (Frederic Robinson Remix) [Hospital]
Fred V and Grafix started off 2014 by releasing their debut LP with Hospital, Recognise. Towards the end of the year, they released a remix album entitled Unrecognisable, featuring a different remix and remixing artist for each track off of Recognise. 'Major Happy,' one of my favourite drum and bass tunes of all time, received treatment from Frederic Robinson in one of the freshest and most ingenious tracks of the year. Other tunes to check out from Unrecognisable - Emperor's remix of 'Recognise,' and Urbandawn's remix of 'Clouds Cross Skies.'
And it is also the end of the year! As 2014 comes to a close, I have an obligation to wrap up my favourite liquid tunes of this year! So, without further ado, here are my top 14 liquid drum and bass tunes of 2014:
14. Fred V and Grafix - Major Happy (Frederic Robinson Remix) [Hospital]
Fred V and Grafix started off 2014 by releasing their debut LP with Hospital, Recognise. Towards the end of the year, they released a remix album entitled Unrecognisable, featuring a different remix and remixing artist for each track off of Recognise. 'Major Happy,' one of my favourite drum and bass tunes of all time, received treatment from Frederic Robinson in one of the freshest and most ingenious tracks of the year. Other tunes to check out from Unrecognisable - Emperor's remix of 'Recognise,' and Urbandawn's remix of 'Clouds Cross Skies.'
13. Rockwell - INeedU [Shogun]
Clocking in at #13 is Rockwell's 'INeedU.' Masterful chopping skills and a catchy stab that reeks of old school deep house makes this track one to remember for years to come. To gain some insight into Rockwell's workflow, check out this Future Music Magazine Producer Masterclass episode, where he breaks down his track 'Aria.' It's masterful work like this that highlights yet another strong year of releases from Shogun.
Clocking in at #13 is Rockwell's 'INeedU.' Masterful chopping skills and a catchy stab that reeks of old school deep house makes this track one to remember for years to come. To gain some insight into Rockwell's workflow, check out this Future Music Magazine Producer Masterclass episode, where he breaks down his track 'Aria.' It's masterful work like this that highlights yet another strong year of releases from Shogun.
12. Lynx f. Master X - Where Are You? [Hospital]
New Hospital signing Lynx has been around the drum and bass scene for awhile now, but his new LP, Where Are You?, sounds fresher than ever. The title track, a collaboration with Master X, seems to be an innovative take on a synth-driven minimalist sound. The iPhone-themed artwork is a nice touch, too.
New Hospital signing Lynx has been around the drum and bass scene for awhile now, but his new LP, Where Are You?, sounds fresher than ever. The title track, a collaboration with Master X, seems to be an innovative take on a synth-driven minimalist sound. The iPhone-themed artwork is a nice touch, too.
11. Raise Spirit - When You're Ready [Liquicity]
Liquicity has had a busy year. The famous YouTube channel quickly expanded to a legitimate record label in 2014, heralded by the release of Escapism 2. However, Escapism is hard pressed to overshadow Galaxy of Dreams 2, especially when considering tracks like Raise Spirit's 'When You're Ready.' With releases like this, it's easy to see why Liquicity is growing into an even larger powerhouse within the world of liquid drum and bass.
Liquicity has had a busy year. The famous YouTube channel quickly expanded to a legitimate record label in 2014, heralded by the release of Escapism 2. However, Escapism is hard pressed to overshadow Galaxy of Dreams 2, especially when considering tracks like Raise Spirit's 'When You're Ready.' With releases like this, it's easy to see why Liquicity is growing into an even larger powerhouse within the world of liquid drum and bass.
10. Rameses B - We Love [Monstercat]
A little more 'epic shoegazing' drum and bass for you, as I like to call it. Rameses B is a rising star, though I wouldn't exactly refer to him as a newcomer. He's had his forays into progressive house, chillstep, and various other genres of electronic music over the past few years, slowly but surely refining his sound. In my honest opinion, I enjoy him most when he produces liquid drum and bass; something about his style of melodic structure seems to suit the genre so very well. This is on full display in Monstercat's 'We Love.' Expecting even bigger things from Rameses in 2015 and beyond!
A little more 'epic shoegazing' drum and bass for you, as I like to call it. Rameses B is a rising star, though I wouldn't exactly refer to him as a newcomer. He's had his forays into progressive house, chillstep, and various other genres of electronic music over the past few years, slowly but surely refining his sound. In my honest opinion, I enjoy him most when he produces liquid drum and bass; something about his style of melodic structure seems to suit the genre so very well. This is on full display in Monstercat's 'We Love.' Expecting even bigger things from Rameses in 2015 and beyond!
9. deadmau5 - Avaritia (Dimension Bootleg) [Unreleased]
I have no problem admitting that I am a massive deadmau5 fan. Random Album Title and Get Scraped were two of the first albums that led me down the rabbit hole of electronic music. But I've been slightly lukewarm over his more recent releases - when Avaritia was released, for example, I remember quite distinctly thinking that the melody sounded very rushed. I came to the conclusion that it was a result of the progression in the background rather than the actual melody itself. Boy, does Dimension prove me right. This tune is an absolute banger; I highly recommend checking out his Soundcloud for more of the same.
I have no problem admitting that I am a massive deadmau5 fan. Random Album Title and Get Scraped were two of the first albums that led me down the rabbit hole of electronic music. But I've been slightly lukewarm over his more recent releases - when Avaritia was released, for example, I remember quite distinctly thinking that the melody sounded very rushed. I came to the conclusion that it was a result of the progression in the background rather than the actual melody itself. Boy, does Dimension prove me right. This tune is an absolute banger; I highly recommend checking out his Soundcloud for more of the same.
8. Keeno f. Zoe Klinck - Falling [Med School]
Keeno is slowly becoming one of my favourite artists. 2014's Life Cycle, his follow up to 2013's Nocturne EP has affirmed him as one of drum and bass' most talented newcomers. Keeno also had 'Nocturne' released as the coveted title screen music for Microsoft's popular auto racing video game, Forza Horizon 2. 'Falling' is a track that features a wonderful performance from Zoe Klinck and stays true to Keeno's signature classical roots. Check out that mesmerizing vinyl, too - I could watch that thing spin forever.
Keeno is slowly becoming one of my favourite artists. 2014's Life Cycle, his follow up to 2013's Nocturne EP has affirmed him as one of drum and bass' most talented newcomers. Keeno also had 'Nocturne' released as the coveted title screen music for Microsoft's popular auto racing video game, Forza Horizon 2. 'Falling' is a track that features a wonderful performance from Zoe Klinck and stays true to Keeno's signature classical roots. Check out that mesmerizing vinyl, too - I could watch that thing spin forever.
7. Loadstar - Stepped Outside [RAM]
Sounding familiar? Originally, I had my suspicions that Loadstar sampled Keeno's piano riff from 'Falling' in 'Stepped Outside' (or perhaps the other way around!), but apparently the riff actually comes from a Nine Inch Nails song. Regardless, the two songs do sound very familiar, and yet they invoke two wondrously different vibes, with Loadstar taking the darker route. It's always nice to see Loadstar move to a more liquid take on things, but it's the vocal that absolutely carries this song.
Sounding familiar? Originally, I had my suspicions that Loadstar sampled Keeno's piano riff from 'Falling' in 'Stepped Outside' (or perhaps the other way around!), but apparently the riff actually comes from a Nine Inch Nails song. Regardless, the two songs do sound very familiar, and yet they invoke two wondrously different vibes, with Loadstar taking the darker route. It's always nice to see Loadstar move to a more liquid take on things, but it's the vocal that absolutely carries this song.
6. Response - Control [Ingredients]
Started from the bottom now we here. Here being #6 in the Liquidation Top 14 Tunes of 2014...? Drake references aside (listen to the song), this is an absolutely massive tune. To be fair, I've kinda always dug the production on 'Started From the Bottom,' until that annoying drawl comes in. Which is why, I suppose, we have this excellent release from Response.
Started from the bottom now we here. Here being #6 in the Liquidation Top 14 Tunes of 2014...? Drake references aside (listen to the song), this is an absolutely massive tune. To be fair, I've kinda always dug the production on 'Started From the Bottom,' until that annoying drawl comes in. Which is why, I suppose, we have this excellent release from Response.
5. Hugh Hardie - Colourful Language [Liquicity]
Liquicity's Escapism 2 featured a variety of amazing liquid drum and bass tracks including Hugh Hardie's spectacular 'Colourful Language.' I've always been impressed by his sample choices and use of piano motifs, and this track is no different. Check it out!
Liquicity's Escapism 2 featured a variety of amazing liquid drum and bass tracks including Hugh Hardie's spectacular 'Colourful Language.' I've always been impressed by his sample choices and use of piano motifs, and this track is no different. Check it out!
4. Nu:Tone f. Lea Lea - Tides [Hospital]
Nu:Tone's 2014 was defined by November's release of Future History. The vocal production on this track, 'Tides,' is absolutely incredible. It's put on in full display in this recent episode of Future Music Magazine's Steinberg Studio Sessions. I highly recommend this video; it's so apparent that Nu:Tone is an artist that always strives to push the limits of liquid drum and bass.
Nu:Tone's 2014 was defined by November's release of Future History. The vocal production on this track, 'Tides,' is absolutely incredible. It's put on in full display in this recent episode of Future Music Magazine's Steinberg Studio Sessions. I highly recommend this video; it's so apparent that Nu:Tone is an artist that always strives to push the limits of liquid drum and bass.
3. Logistics f. Hugh Hardie - As Sure As Sunrise [Hospital]
I think that, for a lot of people, Logistic's Polyphony was the album we all knew he was capable of making. It exudes a sort of consistency that we've never really seen from Mr. Gresham. Polyphony is the kind of album you want to listen to over and over again because every track is so solid. It's what liquid drum and bass should be. There are many tracks from Polyphony that I could place here, but I think this collaboration with Hugh Hardie sums up what Polyphony is all about - infectiously catchy music that is simultaneously thought-provoking.
I think that, for a lot of people, Logistic's Polyphony was the album we all knew he was capable of making. It exudes a sort of consistency that we've never really seen from Mr. Gresham. Polyphony is the kind of album you want to listen to over and over again because every track is so solid. It's what liquid drum and bass should be. There are many tracks from Polyphony that I could place here, but I think this collaboration with Hugh Hardie sums up what Polyphony is all about - infectiously catchy music that is simultaneously thought-provoking.
2. Technimatic - Perseverance [Shogun]
Desire Paths, Technimatic's most recent LP, is one for the ages. Every track is littered with fantastic soundscapes and sample choices. 'Perseverance' is a track that provides inspiration for drum and bass producers everywhere. I feel like I'm on another planet when I listen to this tune. Wish I could join those two dancing in that field! Desire Paths will be hard to top, but I'm confident that they can do it.
Desire Paths, Technimatic's most recent LP, is one for the ages. Every track is littered with fantastic soundscapes and sample choices. 'Perseverance' is a track that provides inspiration for drum and bass producers everywhere. I feel like I'm on another planet when I listen to this tune. Wish I could join those two dancing in that field! Desire Paths will be hard to top, but I'm confident that they can do it.
1. Urbandawn - Words To Say [Bad Taste]
My favourite tune this year, and also quite easily one of my favourite drum and bass tunes of all time. Urbandawn absolutely smashes Ryuichi Sakamoto's 'Bibo No Aozora' straight out of the park. My favourite part about this tune is that it's structured in 24 bar phrases. Absolutely beautiful. Hospital has hinted at things to come for Urbandawn in 2015, and I can't wait to hear it.
My favourite tune this year, and also quite easily one of my favourite drum and bass tunes of all time. Urbandawn absolutely smashes Ryuichi Sakamoto's 'Bibo No Aozora' straight out of the park. My favourite part about this tune is that it's structured in 24 bar phrases. Absolutely beautiful. Hospital has hinted at things to come for Urbandawn in 2015, and I can't wait to hear it.
Until next year... Have an awesome 2015!
- Liquidation
- Liquidation