Alongside the happy hardcore revolution and tear out junglism taking shape in 1994, another style started to emerge known as intelligent drum and bass. And this signals one of two pinch points in the way drum and bass as a descriptive term came into being.
Their was lots of uproar at the time suggesting that it saw itself as a cut above the rest and looked down on jungle, but the truth was it needed a label and some bright spark called it intelligent, but it did separate itself stylistically from jungle, and so to us at least, there are two distinct styles in play from this point forward. In a nutshell it was smoother, more melodic, had bright musical overlays (as opposed to in your face drum edits) and you could probably play it to your mum without her reaching for the earplugs.
It spawned some incredibly inventive compositions and a whole sub genre of its own, not to mention being the pre-cursor to modern day liquid drum and bass, and it clearly had longevity and was awash with passion and style. So, it WASN'T jungle. It WAS drum and bass. And this is the first of two possible points where one might decide that the term DNB as a descriptor was 'born'.
We've done our best to pick 15 tracks that encapsulate the very best of the intelligent sound of '94. As ever, this is just a springboard to ignite your curiosity. Enjoy!
1.Omni Trio - Soul Promenade (Nookie Remix)
What better way to start this introductory list to the intelligent sound than this absolutely sublime Nookie rendition of the Omni Trio classic, Soul Promenade. Nookie was probably on of the very first instigators of the intelligent style and composed with grace and panache that was rarely equalled. Simply stunning.
2.Doc Scott - Far Away
One of just a handful of producers who could, can and did turn his hand to almost any style of drum and bass with devesating effect, Doc Scott created something unreal here. Each to their own, but the advent of intelligent drum and bass not only bought those hallowed words into mainstream use, they also defined a style which was far removed from jungle. In fact, when you break it down, the similarities are few when compared to the likes of Ray Keith's monumental Terrorist for example. A beautiful piece of music, whatever your stance on the terminology. Was rinsed in '94 but released in '95, so we've added it here.
3.Bukem & The Peshay - 19.5.
Many would argue that LTJ Bukem and Peshay were at the very forefront of the intelligent scene, particularly in 1994, and they'd be right. The Good Looking stable exposed a ridiculous amount of talent linked to this sub genre, and this absolute masterpiece penned by the duo is possibly one of the best examples from this year. A lot of intelligent was about less being more, and while we'd never be rude enough to say this track is simple, it does rely on just a few key components, though they are clearly used to create a blissful soundscape. Absolutely TOP NOTCH!
4.Higher Sense – Cold Fresh Air
Ant Miles absolutely slaying it on this intelligent crossover of epic proportions. Not everybody will agree that it belongs in this list, but for us this is simply on of the best intelligent tracks to come out of the '94. Simply stunning.
5.DJ Crystl - Let It Roll
Crystl was on a completely different level when it came to production and you can hear it clearly on this epic roller. The jazzy, stepping drums just well, roll and roll and it is so easy to get completely lost in this inventive composition. Quite unlike anything else!
6.D'Cruze - Lonely
Yikes. This is so lush it makes your heart swoon. D'Cruze really goes in on this one, with those lush strings and beautiful vocals, this shows perfectly the distinct difference between jungle and intelligent. Sublime!
