Cardiff-based DJ-producer Lincoln Barrett (a.k.a. High Contrast) builds new beats and pieces into the once majestic style known as drum and bass, combining color-saturated technique, warm studio technology, and clever samples for a spectacular two-disc debut. Many producers try to bring a more song-oriented approach to drum and bass, but Barrett pulls a few old-school tricks with a new-school view that beats them all silly. The warp-speed "Make It Tonight" sounds like Mary J. Blige time-stretched and tipsy. "True Colors" fuses bracing math rock with warm R&B sensibilities, while "Passion" combines corny atmospherics with breathy females and smooth-jazz sonics. "Return of Forever" is full-on sleaze funk, with a groove as deep and sweaty as a Brazilian street parade. With his magician's programming skills and dazzling tune sense, Barrett ups the ante for drum and bass wannabes the world over. Disc No. 2 includes alternate mixes and two additional tracks, "Remember When" and "Full Intention." --Ken Micallef

High Contrast should need no introduction with a legacy as one of the most recognizable and much loved figures in drum and bass. Since the release of his seminal debut True Colors in 2002, he has risen through the ranks to become one of the most sought-after DJ's in the scene. His third studio album Tough Guys Don t Dance (2008) followed 2004 s High Society, and was succeeded by High Contrast: Confidential, a double-disc best-of compilation that fused the best of his own production with high profile remixes of The Streets, Adele and Basement Jaxx. Returning in 2012 with his fourth artist album, The Agony & The Ecstasy, High Contrast is set to reinstate his reputation at the top table with this superb 12 song long player. Featuring an extensive range of collaborators, from established, worldwide superstars such as Tiësto and Underworld to up-and-coming fresh new talent such as Med School signing Lung and Jessy Allen, this truly is an album of contrasts. Hospital ever present vocalist Liane Carrol, who you may recognize from London Elektricity live, as well as Chase & Status / Breakage vocalist extraordinaire Claire Maguire and Selah Corbin of KidAdrift also feature on the album. High Contrast himself describes The Agony & The Ecstasy as 'more personal' than any other album he has made, so prepare to be moved with some heartfelt melodies as well as the uplifting anthems which have his signature sound written all over them and push him back into the spotlight. Kicking off with the title track The Agony & The Ecstasy (featuring Selah Corbin), which was debuted live with Annie Mac on Radio One, we are taken through some superb vocal-led cuts such as the spine-chillingly yearning Wish You Were Here (featuring Selah Corbin), the stripped back, downbeat melancholy of Almost Human (featuring Clare Maguire) as well as the previously released Radio One playlisted single The First Note Is Silent (featuring Tiesto and Underworld). Other highlights from across the selection include experimental cinematic interlude 238 Days, the impassioned Emotional Vampire; while things take a dark and twisted turn in Father, Can t You See I m Burning?, before All There Is (featuring Liane Carrol) brings the album to a close.

Two of the hottest dj / producer names in DnB, Hospital Records main men High Contrast and London Elektricity, team up and sign off a year of massive remixes and releases with this year's definitive, upfront drum + bass mix Featuring DnB anthems, huge remixes of big crossover artists and exclusive tracks This Is.. Drum + Bass will be a key new brand launch setting the standard for similar albums Expect extensive live date marketing around this release from the Hospitality crew who have carved out a name as the UK's biggest DnB party providers With drum n bass getting daytime playlist coverage at Radio 1 and beyond this album comes at the peak of the DnB renaissance!

Cardiff-based DJ-producer Lincoln Barrett (a.k.a. High Contrast) builds new beats and pieces into the once majestic style known as drum and bass, combining color-saturated technique, warm studio technology, and clever samples for a spectacular two-disc debut. Many producers try to bring a more song-oriented approach to drum and bass, but Barrett pulls a few old-school tricks with a new-school view that beats them all silly. The warp-speed "Make It Tonight" sounds like Mary J. Blige time-stretched and tipsy. "True Colors" fuses bracing math rock with warm R&B sensibilities, while "Passion" combines corny atmospherics with breathy females and smooth-jazz sonics. "Return of Forever" is full-on sleaze funk, with a groove as deep and sweaty as a Brazilian street parade. With his magician's programming skills and dazzling tune sense, Barrett ups the ante for drum and bass wannabes the world over. Disc No. 2 includes alternate mixes and two additional tracks, "Remember When" and "Full Intention." --Ken Micallef