Bristol and Bass go hand in hand. A background so diverse but deeply urban, a little dingy yet incessantly upbeat can only belong to one of two things; drum and bass or Bristol, although how about both! The arrival into popular culture has not been an overnight phenomenon but the genre has continued to prove itself with people like High Contrast and Goldie breaking down every barrier along the way. It’s perhaps its dedication towards defiance that gives drum and bass an edge over other musical styles like trance and house, which can be far more synthesized. You know it would be rude to rave.

Bristol’s just lost two of its best D&B clubs in Stokes Croft but don’t worry, there’s plenty more still happening and Clockwork will be back in time…(pun, unfortunately, intended).

Venues:
Native, off Corn Street – If Carlsberg did drum and bass venues… The most popular and hectic outlet of drum and bass in Bristol, Native invites you to RUN every Tuesday with big drops from DJ Hype to Shy FX.
Dojo Lounge, Park Row – A little more petite than other clubs but all is made up for once you’re inside and DJs like Andy C are hitting it harder than Colonel Mustard with the candlestick. Beans On Toast is a regular night featuring the likes of LTJ Bukem.
Thekla, The Grove – An array of nights are hosted here including Beans On Toast, Hospitality (Hospital Records) and various launch parties including Andy C’s Nightlife albums. For a boat, Thekla always has a titanic crowd bouncing off the luminous metal walls, world-famous and a mini world in itself!
Timbuk2, off Corn Street – More underground than others but always raving hard and with the potential to take the crown of the drum and bass scene. At the moment you’ll find smaller acts like Craggz And Parallel Forces in one of the numerous rooms.
Blue Mountain, Stokes Croft – As the name suggests, this is an enormous clubbing environment where more serious drum and bass addicts thrive off the power from colossal sound systems. It’s fair to say that Blue Mountain is by no means picturesque but the atmosphere makes up for the views.
Motion, St Phillips – Somewhat off the beaten track, this skate park cum three room raving extravaganza is always putting on massive nights. Teaming up with an array of local promoters you can guarantee that everyone will be there and you’ll instantly forget you’re on a half-pipe!
Academy, Frogmore Street - This bass fortress is the hub of Bristol’s mammoth drum and bass nights. With legendary promoters One Nation and Overload regularly staging nights, you’re guaranteed to witness heavyweights like DJ Friction and Mampi Swift throwing down the freshest dubplates behind the wheels of steel.

Local Heroes:
Roni Size – In the red corner, all the way from St Andrews, leader of Mercury prize winning band Reprazent and all round DnB mogul, all rise for Roni!
TC – In the blue corner, straight out of St Pauls, critically acclaimed and ready to throw 12” in your face, Tommy Boy!
Blackout – Bristol favourites Blackout create their music from live instruments; real drums, bass, guitar, sax and synthesizers preferring not to use any drum loops or sequencers and are therefore ACE live.

In the words of Stevie Hyper D; “Junglists are you ready!”

Richard Entwistle