Konflict, the Glasgow-based duo of Kemal Okan and Robert Rodgers (Rob Data), are the primary architects of the 'techstep' evolution into 'neurofunk.' Active primarily between 1999 and 2002, they moved the drum and bass genre away from its jungle roots toward a colder, more techno-influenced aesthetic.
Their sound identity is characterized by surgical percussion, the 'Reese' bassline, and a total lack of conventional melody, replaced instead by rhythmic tension and industrial textures. Their cultural position is legendary within the D&B community, specifically for the track 'Messiah,' which is widely cited as one of the most influential tracks in electronic music history. Despite their short tenure as a duo, their influence persists in the modern neurofunk scene, with artists like Noisia and Black Sun Empire citing them as foundational. Critical consensus views them as the bridge between the raw energy of 90s breakbeats and the high-fidelity production of 21st-century bass music. Their departure from the scene at their peak only cemented their cult status among crate diggers and techstep purists.
Shares downtempo, industrial, techno (subgenres); absent, processed (vocal style)
Shares downtempo, industrial, techno (subgenres); digital_clarity, compressed_loud, minimalist (production style)
Shares digital_clarity, compressed_loud, minimalist (production style); absent, processed (vocal style)
Shares digital_clarity, compressed_loud, minimalist (production style); urban_night, basement_show, focused_work (atmosphere)
Shares techno, industrial (subgenres); urban_night, basement_show, focused_work (atmosphere)
Shares digital_clarity, compressed_loud, minimalist (production style); industrial, techno (subgenres)
Shares absent, processed (vocal style); compressed_loud, digital_clarity, noise_textured (production style)
Shares industrial, techno (subgenres); absent, processed (vocal style)
Shares digital_clarity, compressed_loud, minimalist (production style); industrial, techno (subgenres)
Shares digital_clarity, compressed_loud, minimalist (production style); absent, processed (vocal style)
Shares tense, industrial, techno, aggressive (signature)
Shares surgical percussion edits, techstep, tense, metallic (detail)
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