Commix

The dynamic Metalheadz label is revered in history as setting the genetic building blocks for drum n bass, if not electronic music. Seminal artists the world over nod to Metalheadz as being one of the most important labels in their musical development; it remains, in many ways, the drum n bass equivalent to the techno movement in Detroit and the house revolution in Chicago. The admired label has celebrated years of pushing the drum n bass world?s most forward thinking music and essential artists ? but not once has Goldie, mighty ruler of the Metalheadz empire, found material he deemed worthy of being pressed as the label's first artist album. Not even once...until 2005, when he first discovered a powerful resonance rumbling from Cambridge: the boundary-breaking, highly diversified sound of Commix.

Somewhere amongst the historical buildings and punting boats of Cambridge, Guy Brewer combined his passionate knowledge of dance music with George Levings' classically trained background (on flute, saxophone and piano) to craft an imaginative, unparalleled drum n bass sound that is as futuristic as it is reflective. From the deep, soulful feel of their first productions in 2002, Commix has since developed an expansive range of styles, which is a divine representation of their collective influences: the duo creates genre-bending drum n bass that reflects everything from bleepy electronica, spaced-out outergalactic funk (a la Spacek), abstract minimal techno, the severe sub bass of dub and the poetic mellifluence of soul. These music-obsessed artists have acquired an enviable portfolio under their rapidly expanding belts, releasing dancefloor anthems, classics and remixes on just about every desired label in drum n bass: Metalheadz, Hospital, Good Looking Records, 31 Records, C.I.A., V Records and Creative Source, to name but a few. Their visionary productions have become a staple tool in DJs' boxes around the world; likewise, Commix have found themselves becoming a standard fix on international dancefloors with a profusion of gigs, exploring every dnb scene across Europe, Asia, North America, South America and the UK.

And that takes us to the present where, after 6 years of vigorously producing and performing, the prolific duo finally found time to sit back from their heaving schedule to create their debut long player for Metalheadz. Commix's 'Call To Mind' vibrantly paints a picture of their journey from Cambridge to the rest of the world; a brilliantly narrated, beautifully illustrated recollection of where they've been and everything they've picked up along the way. Their varied influences are lovingly sewn across the 11 tracks, conjuring up expressive and vivid images of the past - at times obvious (embracing minimal techno on "Belleview") and others only subtly tangible (on "Be True," for instance, they give a nod to the late J Dilla by repeating the end loops of the vocal - a Dilla trademark). Engineered to perfection, and encompassing an astounding variation of genres, 'Call To Mind' recalls the lost art of an album being an experience, sublimely flowing from start to finish and incorporating remarkable artwork. The evocative album is a tender work of deep retrospection, brimming with soul and character.