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Liquid Dreams by Lily Flower& Dirt Revolver
Liquid Drum & Bass 174bpm / F Minor
Buy > https://neurohaven.bandcamp.com/
A Brief History of Liquid Drum & Bass:
Liquid Drum & Bass (often called Liquid DnB or simply Liquid) is a subgenre of Drum and Bass (DnB) known for its melodic, smooth, and atmospheric qualities. It blends the energetic breakbeats of DnB with lush pads, deep basslines, soulful vocals, and jazz-influenced instrumentation.
Origins (Late 1990s – Early 2000s)
Liquid DnB emerged in the late 1990s as a response to the darker, heavier sounds of techstep and neurofunk. Producers like LTJ Bukem, Peshay, and Calibre played a key role in shaping the early Liquid sound, drawing influences from jazz, soul, and deep house. LTJ Bukem’s Logical Progression series (1996) and Calibre’s Musique Concrete (2001) set the stage for a more melodic, groove-oriented approach to Drum & Bass.
Rise in Popularity (Mid-2000s)
By the mid-2000s, Liquid DnB had developed a strong following. Labels like Hospital Records (run by London Elektricity) championed the sound, with artists such as High Contrast, Nu:Tone, Logistics, and Danny Byrd leading the charge. High Contrast’s album True Colours (2002) and Logistics' Now More Than Ever (2006) helped define the genre’s polished, emotional, and dancefloor-friendly style.
Mainstream Appeal (Late 2000s – Early 2010s)
As the genre gained popularity, Liquid DnB tracks started crossing over into the mainstream and festival circuits. Artists like Netsky, Wilkinson, and Sub Focus introduced a more accessible, pop-infused approach while maintaining the essence of Liquid. Tracks such as Netsky’s “Memory Lane” (2010) and Wilkinson’s “Afterglow” (2013) brought Liquid DnB to a wider audience.
Modern Liquid DnB (2015 – Present)
Liquid has continued to evolve, incorporating elements of deep house, lo-fi, and cinematic soundscapes. Producers like Lenzman, Technimatic, Hybrid Minds, Etherwood, and Fred V & Grafix have pushed the boundaries, creating emotionally driven compositions with rich textures. The genre remains a staple of DnB culture, maintaining its soulful and uplifting essence while exploring new production techniques.
Legacy & Influence
Liquid DnB remains one of the most beloved subgenres of Drum & Bass, known for its euphoric yet melancholic vibe. It continues to thrive in underground clubs, major festivals, and online streaming platforms, appealing to both DnB veterans and new listeners alike.
- Genre
- Drum & Bass