A bonafide drum & bass legend steps forward.

Comprised of Jim Baker and Phil Aslett (though the project is currently Baker solo, and has been since the end of the 1990s), Source Direct changed the face of drum and bass from a bedroom in St Albans. Releasing the majority of their records between ’94 and ’98, they – along with artists like Photek and Goldie – spearheaded a minimal, tense drum and bass sound that would shape the genre for generations to come, with a dystopian kink that has been influential throughout dance music.

Although there are comparisons to be made with classic Detroit techno, LTJ Bukem (in the group’s early days) and their peers at the Metalheadz and Razors Edge labels, when Source Direct got going they didn’t sound like anyone else on the planet (ask contemporary producers Logos and Felix K, who outlined the group’s importance in a piece for FACT.) Even at Source Direct’s peak, DJ sets were a rarity, but Baker has been persuaded to perform several times in recent years, and will support Squarepusher in London this Saturday October 24; the show also features 808 State and the first ever live show from Squarepusher’s Shobaleader One band, presented by Soundcrash.

Speaking to FACT, Squarepusher says “I always liked the mighty solidity of Source Direct’s productions! I can’t wait to hear his DJ sets this Saturday – dark machines! I’ve really tried to pull a storming line up together for the Troxy this Saturday and I’m particularly excited to present Shobaleader One. They’re amazing musicians; for me it’s fascinating to see how they interpret this selection of my early tunes.”

Also watch out for a series of Source Direct reissues on Boddika’s Nonplus label (Boddika and Jon Convex released their first Instra:mental singles through Source Direct’s Demonic), and check for Squarepusher and Shobaleader One at Brighton’s Concorde 2 on October 23, and another Source Direct appearance at Clock Strikes 13’s Houndstooth showcase.

Tracklist:
Source Direct – Enemy Lines – Science/Virgin Records!
Jonny L – PBX – XL Recordings
Ed Rush & Optical – Medicine (Matrix Remix) – Metro Recordings
Doc Scott – Drumz ’95 (Nasty Habits Remix) – Metalheadz
Source Direct – Computer State – Science/Virgin Records
Goldie – Dark Metal (Source Direct Remix) – Metalheadz/Razors Edge
Dillinja – ??? – ???
Marcus Intalex & ST Files – Just A Vision – ???
Dillinja – Deadly Deep Subs Remix – Metalheadz/Razors Edge
Source Direct – Black Rose – Source Direct Recordings/NonPlus
Goldie – BeachDrifta – Metalheadz/FFRR
Goldie & KRS-ONE – Digital – Metalheadz/FFRR

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