The Evolution of Liquid Drum & Bass: From LTJ Bukem to Lenzman

Introduction

Liquid Drum & Bass, often described as the more soulful, melodic side of the genre, has carved out a unique space in the D&B spectrum. It’s the perfect fusion of deep basslines, lush atmospherics, and emotive chord progressions, making it a go-to for late-night sessions, sunset sets, and introspective listening. This article explores the evolution of Liquid D&B, from its early roots with LTJ Bukem to the contemporary stylings of Lenzman and beyond.

The Birth of Liquid D&B: LTJ Bukem and the Atmospheric Sound

In the early-to-mid ‘90s, as Jungle and Drum & Bass were splintering into darker, more aggressive subgenres like techstep, LTJ Bukem pioneered a more atmospheric, jazz-infused sound. His Good Looking Records imprint became a hub for what was often referred to as "intelligent drum & bass," a term that—though somewhat controversial—helped differentiate the style from its more chaotic and rougher counterparts.

Tracks like Apollo Two – Atlantis (I Need You) (LTJ Bukem Remix) and PFM –One & Only defined this era, with ethereal pads, rolling breakbeats, and a focus on musicality over brute force. Bukem’s seminal mix compilation, Logical Progression, became a blueprint for producers looking to craft more emotive and cinematic drum & bass.

While this early incarnation of Liquid D&B didn’t have the exact label at the time, it laid the groundwork for what would become a more defined subgenre in the 2000s.

The Rise of Liquid Funk: Fabio, Calibre, and the 2000s Renaissance

As the new millennium began, a term emerged to define this smoother, funkier style: Liquid Funk. Coined largely by Fabio, one of D&B’s most influential DJs and tastemakers, Liquid Funk took the jazzy elements of Bukem’s sound and infused them with house, soul, and R&B influences.

One of the key figures in Liquid’s rise was Calibre. A producer with an unmatched ear for harmony and groove, Calibre’s debut album Musique Concrete (2001) became an instant classic, featuring tracks like Fire & Water and Mystic, which showcased his signature rolling basslines and melancholic yet uplifting melodies.

Other artists such as Marcus Intalex & ST Files, London Elektricity, and High Contrast helped define Liquid’s golden era. High Contrast’s 2002 album True Colours—featuring tracks like Return of Forever and Make It Tonight—introduced a more cinematic, dancefloor-friendly approach to the sound.

By the mid-2000s, Hospital Records had firmly established itself as the go-to label for Liquid D&B, with artists like Logistics, Nu:Tone, and Danny Byrd pushing the style into club environments while still maintaining its emotional depth.

The 2010s: Liquid’s Expansion and the Rise of Lenzman

As Drum & Bass continued to evolve, Liquid D&B maintained a strong presence, thanks to a new wave of producers bringing fresh perspectives to the genre.

Dutch producer Lenzman emerged as one of the most respected names in modern Liquid, blending deep, rolling basslines with soulful samples and warm atmospherics. His releases on Metalheadz, such as Open Page (feat. Riya) and his Looking at the Stars LP, showcased a refined, jazz-inflected take on Liquid D&B.

Meanwhile, Alix Perez, initially known for deeper, darker productions, also embraced Liquid’s aesthetics, with tracks like Forsaken (feat. Peven Everett & Spectrasoul) highlighting the intersection of Liquid and deeper halftime beats.

Other notable figures pushing Liquid into new territories included Ivy Lab, Hybrid Minds, and LSB, who brought their own unique flavours—whether it was Ivy Lab’s experimental soul-infused beats, Hybrid Minds’ euphoric, vocal-heavy anthems, or LSB’s deep, meditative grooves.

Modern Liquid D&B: Where We Are Now

Today, Liquid Drum & Bass continues to thrive, with producers like GLXY, Satl, FD, and Pola & Bryson keeping the sound fresh and evolving. The influence of hip-hop, lo-fi aesthetics, and jazz has become even more pronounced, with labels like The North Quarter (founded by Lenzman) providing a home for deeper, more expressive takes on the style.

With streaming services making music more accessible than ever, Liquid D&B has found a broader audience, from die-hard ravers to casual listeners looking for something more soulful and chilled.

At the same time, there’s a renewed appreciation for the classics, with LTJ Bukem still touring and Calibre remaining as prolific as ever, ensuring that Liquid D&B’s legacy continues to evolve.

Conclusion

From its atmospheric beginnings with LTJ Bukem to the funk-infused wave of Fabio’s Liquid Funk era and the modern jazz-inflected sounds of Lenzman, Liquid Drum & Bass has proven to be one of the most enduring and beloved subgenres of D&B. Whether it’s played in a packed club, on a long train journey, or through a pair of headphones on a rainy evening, Liquid D&B offers something that few other electronic music styles can match—pure emotion in motion.

To learn about other drum and bass subgenres, check our handy guide!