Lionrock

Lionrock sounds like the intersection of a shadowy 1960s spy film and a 1990s Manchester warehouse rave. It is music built on the heavy, swinging foundations of big beat, but it carries a sophisticated, noir-ish atmosphere that sets it apart from the cartoonish energy of its contemporaries. You can hear the crackle of old reggae 45s and the hiss of analog synthesizers competing for space over booming, distorted breakbeats.

What makes Justin Robertson's project distinctive is the 'Rebellious Jukebox' philosophy: a fearless blending of rock guitars, dub basslines, and acid house squelch. While other big beat acts went for the jugular with loud, bright samples, Lionrock maintained a certain cool, detached mystery. The inclusion of MC Buzz B’s deadpan delivery and the group's penchant for cinematic tension creates a sound that is as much about the space between the beats as the beats themselves.

Start with 'An Instinct for Detection' to experience the project at its most cohesive and atmospheric. It captures that specific mid-90s moment where dance music was becoming more ambitious and experimental without losing its ability to command a dancefloor. It is the perfect entry point for anyone who wants their electronic music with a bit of grit, history, and attitude.