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Bristol's Rebel Sound: Birthplace of Global Jungle Music
31 Oct
Summary
- Bristol's Full Cycle collective pioneered jungle and drum and bass.
- Their experimental sound, influenced by Jamaican sounds, exploded in the early 90s.
- Reprazent's Mercury Prize win cemented Bristol's global music impact.
For over three decades, Bristol's unique "rebel" mentality has fueled the creation of jungle and drum and bass, global music genres that continue to evolve. Emerging in the early 1990s, the DJ collective Full Cycle, inspired by Jamaican sound systems, acid house, and hip hop, unleashed an experimental sound that captivated the city.
DJ Krust, a member of Full Cycle, described the music as a form of artistic expression and a home for DJs at tempos reaching 160-170bpm. Characterized by breakbeats and diverse samples, jungle's early sound was showcased at events like St Paul's Carnival, resonating with the city's open-mindedness and rave culture.
The collective's efforts led to the formation of the live act Reprazent, whose hit "Brown Paper Bag" preceded their history-making Mercury Prize win. This award recognized the first drum and bass group to achieve such acclaim, solidifying Bristol's significant contribution to the genre.
DJ Die highlighted Bristol's enduring "do it yourself" ethos as key to the scene's longevity. The city remains a hotbed for production, with traditions passed down through generations and new artists like Nia Archives and Sherelle, who cite Full Cycle as direct influences, continuing to push boundaries and keep the vibrant scene thriving.
