Lexis

Lexis creates a sound that is both technically rigorous and deeply atmospheric. It is drum and bass that prioritizes mood and texture over raw aggression, leaning into the 'intelligent' side of the genre that flourished in the mid-to-late nineties. You can hear the ghosts of jazz-funk in the basslines, but they are wrapped in cold, futuristic synths and cinematic string arrangements that feel like a soundtrack to a high-budget noir film set in the year 2050.

What makes Rob Solomon's work under this moniker distinctive is the rhythmic complexity. Unlike the straightforward 'amen' loops of his contemporaries, Lexis utilizes shuffling, intricate breaks that feel like they are constantly evolving. There is a sense of space and breath in the mix, allowing the deep, melodic grooves to surface and recede without ever overwhelming the listener. It is music that demands attention but also provides a perfect backdrop for deep concentration.

Start with the album 'Branch of Knowledge'. It serves as a definitive statement of his aesthetic, blending the technical precision of his early collaborations with Photek with the more soulful, expansive production style he developed for labels like Certificate 18 and Good Looking Records.