Album Review: Calyx & TeeBee - All Or Nothing

Few records in modern drum'n'bass have ever been as highly regarded as Calyx & Teebee's Anatomy. Released in 2007, it remains one of only a handful of contemporary albums in the genre as universally respected as joints from the genre's '90s heyday. Disregarding deliberate crossover acts like Pendulum and Chase & Status, there's only been Noisia's colossal Split The Atom debut from 2010 to really rival it for popular recognition.

Which is to say All Or Nothing is very much following a legend. It sounds like it, too. The detail invested in each of the record's productions is frankly absurd. Shying away from the tearaway sub-bass drops and conventional quiet-loud dynamics of even their best contemporaries, Calyx & Teebee have crafted a record of such unnerving complexity and remarkable expression as to beggar belief. The production is obviously outstanding. Shimmering and precise, opener, Heroes & Villains effortlessly shifts from mellifluous guitar and sighing vocals into shuddering, propulsive, multi-layered bass drops without skipping a beat. The dubby atmospherics and stop-start breakbeats of soulful vocal cut, Elevate This Sound are almost luxurious. Beyond issues of sonics, each and every tune is meticulously and immaculately constructed.

Indeed, All Or Nothing's real ace is how mindbogglingly sophisticated Calyx & Teebee have managed to get without sacrificing accessibility. Granted, anyone looking for immediate Pendulum floor-fillers will be disappointed. However, it's a miracle that a collage of sounds as elaborate as We Fall Away's car-crash of jagged laser-bass blasts, spiralling arpeggios and random rhythmic detours is even listenable let alone bracing and exciting.

Against all odds, Calyx & Teebee have managed to surpass expectations. Not only another masterpiece – but, arguably, a better masterpiece.