Pardon my outlandish claims, but the drum and bass genre may seem a bit stagnant. The premiere artists around the genre seem to do little to expand their horizons and instead stick to one train of thought. Easily trumping my statement is the hidden gems that lay around, unnoticed and untouched. These diamonds in the rough garner a cult following until they're recognized for their brilliance. Calyx and Teebee are two drum and bass artists that have been friends for quite some time, 1998 to be exact. Their first release together Anatomy is a concoction of thumping drive, energetic bass, sci-fi esque feel, and nonstop dance bliss. Unequivocally produced for the dance floors this drum and bass endeavor will seemingly never stop for a gasp of air.
When you discuss most dance-inducing albums you usually discuss the flawless production. Anatomy would have that and then some. Not only are all the tracks exceptionally done, but the symphonic and cinematic feel is only rivaled by Rob Dougan's Furious Angels. Confidently Calyx and Teebee endure countless breakbeats, techno induced energy and brilliance, topped with cinematic aspirations. They gladly pull this off, something that would seem to be a behemoth of a task, but it doesn't stop for a rest, not once. Pertaining towards the cinematic feel, it would seem that Anatomy could replace the gratifying and perfectly crafted Fight Club Soundtrack by the Dust Brothers. Besides the unnerving drive and huge force this album brings it could be a substitute it easily. The schizophrenic demeanor may be lively (easily correlating with Fight Club), but there is much structure on these songs, all holding fans of drum and bass, techstep, and jungle in one corner.
Unlike most drum and bass albums that either lose you through the middle of the album or right away, Anatomy grips you immediately and straps you in for the ride. The repetitive wave and beat department may leave you a bit hesitant, but don't let that fool you. Calyx and Teebee are able to craft a superb album, even though much like the genre the structures build heavily on the previous sequence it doesn't leave the listener yearning for more or less. It's just so damn balanced, mixing samples, sleek instrumentation appearances, electronic splices with fantastic and body-moving drum and bass that would probably win over many that are dreading this type of music. Although it may seem at first that Anatomy is parading as a same-sounding album, it's far from it. Conjoining and melding ferocious breakbeats, mild-mannered samples, and odd introductions. "Enygma" sounds like an off-kilter drum and bass track introduction (the illustrious piano), but it stays in the background, ever so lightly - mixing in with the quick thumping drums and beautiful ambient sounds. The mix of approach on Anatomy adds to its undeniable charisma, each track evolving as they should, only with more relevance then the previous. Despite this statement it would seem from the beginning of "The Divide" all the way to the end of "Vortex" Anatomy was already relevant, assaulting without warning and with amazing pace.
Anatomy has all the pieces to become a hit among many around the world's dance floors. Much like Prodigy's Music For The Jilted Generation, Anatomy defines its genre in more ways than one. Much like those albums that did define the dance music of their generation or present time you need to be in the right frame of mind to appreciate it. Anatomy really can be consumed all in one-take despite its demanding listen of nonstop vigor, but unless you're a fan of dance-themed music, cinematic undertones, or any music related towards techno or drum and bass then you'd probably stay away from this. Anatomy packs a mean punch, contended by only Mike Tyson and even to non-drum and bass fans it is worthy of your attention.
Grade: A+
Download: V0(VBR)
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