CLS: The UK's Underground Drum & Bass Innovator
CLS is a pioneering British producer and DJ who has been a foundational figure in the drum & bass and jungle scenes since the early 1990s. Hailing from London, his career is defined by a series of influential releases on seminal labels and his enduring presence as a selector who helped shape the genre's raw, sample-heavy sound.
Early career
Emerging from London's fertile early '90s rave culture, CLS began crafting his distinctive style, characterized by intricate breakbeats and deep, atmospheric basslines. His first notable releases arrived in 1993 and 1994 on the influential Moving Shadow label, including the track "Lunar Bass," which immediately established his technical prowess and musical depth.
Breakthrough
The year 1995 marked a major breakthrough for CLS with the release of his critically acclaimed debut album, "FUTURE FOLLOWS PAST," on Moving Shadow. This album, celebrated for its complex production and immersive soundscapes, is widely regarded as a classic within intelligent drum & bass and solidified his reputation as a producer's producer.
Key tracks
Lunar Bass — This early Moving Shadow single showcased CLS's signature fusion of rolling breaks with ethereal, sci-fi inspired melodies.
FUTURE FOLLOWS PAST — The title track from his debut album exemplifies the album's ambitious, cinematic approach to drum & bass composition.
Nightwind — A standout track known for its smooth, jazzy undertones and sophisticated rhythm programming, often highlighted in his DJ sets.
Paradise — This track demonstrates his ability to layer soulful vocal samples and warm pads over a relentless, driving beat.
Following his landmark album, CLS continued to release music on key labels such as Good Looking Records and its subsidiary, Cookin' Records, aligning with the atmospheric "intelligent" sound of the era. He maintained a consistent output of 12" singles and contributed to crucial compilations, while also building a formidable reputation as a DJ with a deep, connoisseur's knowledge of the genre's history.
His dedication to the craft is evident in his long-standing radio show, which has broadcast for over two decades, offering a platform for both classic cuts and new talent. While not chasing mainstream chart positions, his work has achieved a different form of certification: the enduring respect of peers and a dedicated global fanbase who seek out his nuanced, timeless productions.
Fans of CLS's intricate, atmospheric take on drum & bass should also explore the work of LTJ Bukem for similarly expansive musical journeys. The deep bass science of Doc Scott shares a foundational aesthetic with CLS's early work. For the jazz-influenced side of the genre, Blame offers a comparable melodic sensibility. The pioneering sample manipulation of 4 Hero also provides a key reference point for CLS's creative approach.
CLS's music remains in steady rotation across specialist drum & bass and jungle radio stations, as well as on online radio streams dedicated to electronic music history. His tracks are staples on shows that explore the roots and evolution of the UK hardcore continuum.
Listeners can discover the pioneering drum & bass sound of CLS by tuning into the dedicated electronic music stations featured on our website. Explore the radio stations available on onairium.com to hear his classic tracks and mixes broadcasting live.
