Uk's: The UK's Pioneering Drum & Bass Collective

Uk's is a seminal British drum and bass collective known for shaping the genre's hardcore and jungle-influenced sound in the 1990s. The group, formed in London, achieved significant underground success with their influential album "Brand New Dread" and their long-running residency on the legendary Kool FM pirate radio station.

Early career

The collective formed in the early 1990s, rooted in the vibrant pirate radio and rave culture of East London. Key founding members included DJs and producers such as DJ Quest, DJ Rap, and engineer-producer Aston Harvey, who began crafting a distinct, sample-heavy sound that bridged breakbeat hardcore and the emerging jungle scene.

Breakthrough

Uk's breakthrough arrived in 1994 with the release of their debut album, "Brand New Dread," on the influential Suburban Base record label. The album, a critical success within the drum and bass community, solidified their reputation for crafting dark, atmospheric tracks driven by complex breakbeats and deep basslines, becoming a staple in DJ sets across the UK.

Key tracks

Brand New Dread — This title track from their debut album epitomizes the group's signature fusion of reggae/dub samples with aggressive jungle rhythms.

Give A Little Love — A standout single that showcased their ability to blend soulful vocal hooks with a relentless, rolling drum and bass framework.

What You Do To Me — This track highlighted their production prowess, featuring intricate amen breaks and a menacing bassline that became a dancefloor favorite.

The collective's influence extended through their crucial work on Kool FM, where they hosted a flagship show that championed new talent and fresh dubs. Their work in the mid-90s, including releases on labels like Formation Records, helped define the techstep and darker strands of drum and bass that would dominate later in the decade.

Fans of Uk's who appreciate the raw, sample-driven energy of 90s jungle and drum and bass should also explore Goldie for his pioneering atmospheric and compositional depth in the genre. The hard-edged, tech-focused sound is also echoed in the work of Ed Rush, a key architect of the techstep movement. For the quintessential jungle breakbeat science, listen to LTJ Bukem and his jazz-influenced, melodic take. The foundational rave energy is shared by the iconic group