Strike: The UK's Drum & Bass Powerhouse

Strike is a British electronic music group pivotal in bringing drum & bass and breakbeat to mainstream dance floors. Formed in the mid-1990s, the collective achieved major commercial success with their crossover anthem U Sure Do, which became a top 5 hit in the UK Singles Chart.

Early career

The group formed in 1994 around the core production duo of Andy Gardner and Mark Yardley. They emerged from the vibrant UK rave scene, initially releasing hard-hitting drum & bass tracks on the influential Formation Records label. Their early 12" singles, such as 1995's Funktion, quickly established them as formidable talents within the underground club circuit.

Breakthrough

Strike's breakthrough arrived in 1997 with the release of U Sure Do on the Serious label. The track masterfully fused a classic house vocal sample with a rolling, accessible drum & bass rhythm. It soared to number 4 on the UK Singles Chart and was certified Silver, proving the commercial viability of the drum & bass sound.

Key tracks

U Sure Do — This 1997 single is the group's signature hit, a chart-topping drum & bass track that defined their crossover appeal.

Funktion — An earlier, purist drum & bass release that cemented Strike's credibility within the genre's core scene.

My Love Is Always — A 2002 follow-up single that returned the group to the UK top 40, showcasing their enduring production skill.

Sure Beats Work — This track from their 2004 album Soundsystem exemplifies their evolution into a fuller, album-oriented sound.

Following their initial success, Strike continued to evolve, releasing the album Soundsystem in 2004. They have remained active DJs and producers, collaborating with artists across the dance spectrum and consistently delivering high-energy performances. Their music has been featured on numerous compilations, solidifying their legacy in UK dance music history. For fans of Strike's high-energy sound, similar artists include The Prodigy for their aggressive breakbeat fusion, Pendulum for their rock-influenced drum & bass approach, and Shy FX for his pioneering work in the same UK jungle and drum & bass arena.

The music of Strike is a staple on electronic and dance-focused radio stations featured on this website. Their classic anthems frequently appear in playlists on dedicated drum & bass radio stations, mainstream dance FM channels, and online electronic music streams, keeping their energetic sound alive for new audiences.

Listeners can explore the dynamic catalog of Strike on radio stations available through onairium.com. Tune in to hear their classic hits and influential drum & bass tracks featured across our curated selection of electronic music stations.