Calyx delivers a masterclass in high-pressure electronic architecture. The sound is defined by its relentless forward momentum, characterized by 'Reese' basslines that growl and mutate beneath surgically precise drum programming. It is music that feels engineered rather than just composed, possessing a cold, metallic sheen that somehow retains a human soul through its complex, jazz-inflected harmonic structures.
What truly sets this artist apart is the background in live instrumentation. Unlike many of his contemporaries who rely solely on software presets, Calyx brings a guitarist's sensibility to the groove, resulting in syncopation that feels organic even when the textures are purely industrial. The tracks often function as sonic puzzles, with layers of grit and digital noise interlocking to create a sense of controlled chaos.
For those new to the sound, the mid-2000s era provides the perfect entry point. It captures the transition from the raw, stripped-back techstep of the late 90s into the more polished, aggressive neurofunk that would come to dominate the genre. It is essential listening for anyone who appreciates the intersection of technical virtuosity and raw, dancefloor-focused energy.
Calyx is a British drum and bass act, specialising in the techstep and neurofunk styles. It was previously the duo of Larry Cons and Chris Rush (both of London), it is now a solo project of Larry Cons. Their first release was in 1998 for Moving Shadow sublabel Audio Couture. Most of their releases have been for Moving Shadow, including the debut album No Turning Back (2005), with a few appearances for Metalheadz and Renegade Hardware. Many of Calyx hits has been featured in the video game Midnight Club 3. Track Quagmire is featured in Grand Theft Auto III. In September 2007 he released an album called 'Anatomy', a joint project with fellow drum 'n' bass artist and long-term collaborator Teebee, under their own label Momentum Music. Calyx and Teebee went on to sign exclusively to Ram Records (UK) as a duo and would release collaborative albums 'All or Nothing' (2012), '1x1' (2016), and 'Plates' (2022). As of 2023, Calyx is now signed on Critical Music, with 2022 seeing his first solo release in 16 years "Tempest / You Want It All" followed by "Pull Up / Feel The Sway" in 2023.
Shares drum and bass, darkwave (subgenres); digital clarity, layered dense, compressed loud (production style)
Shares drum and bass, darkwave (subgenres); digital clarity, layered dense, compressed loud (production style)
Shares drum and bass, darkwave (subgenres); absent, processed, instrumental only (vocal style)
Shares drum and bass, darkwave (subgenres); intense, restless, brooding (moods)
Shares drum and bass, darkwave (subgenres); digital clarity, layered dense, compressed loud (production style)
Shares drum and bass, darkwave (subgenres); intense, mysterious, restless (moods)
Shares intense, restless, brooding (moods); drum and bass (subgenres)
Shares drum and bass (subgenres); digital clarity, layered dense, compressed loud (production style)
Shares drum and bass (subgenres); digital clarity, layered dense, compressed loud (production style)
Shares neurofunk, metallic, drum and bass, digital clarity (signature)
Shares neurofunk, metallic, drum and bass, darkwave (signature)
Cassette uses generative AI to enrich its catalog. How we use AI →