RAM Records at Halo, Bournemouth

Its so good when a venue can be adaptable, and last week saw Bournemouth’s Halo nightclub play host to one of the world’s best drum & bass labels RAM Records. RAM have done incredibly well in the dnb scene with giants like Andy C, Sub Focus and Chase & Status signed to their label, this has helped them propel into the spotlight.

RAM organised a good lineup of artists from its catalogue; Teddy Killerz, Rene LaVice and Calyx & TeeBee. Teddy Killerz are a trio signed to RAM known for producing different styles of dance music. Mainly playing drum & bass, but mixing in influences from EDM, dubstep, trap and breakbeat means they made for a unique set. It was great to hear something other than the regular dnb, but I’m not sure their style hit right with me. This said, it’s no doubt the group are talented producing for dance/rock act Modestep, and also conducting the ’60 minutes of RAM’ mix for Mistajam on BBC Radio 1 Xtra.

DJ, producer and film maker Rene LaVice played a mixed set, showing off his creativity as well as his drum&bass talent. Although, LaVice may be a new name to many who like the genre, he’s certainly one of the most talented DJs from the North American scene, having already amassed an impressive catalogue of music that has caught the attentions of BBC luminaries such as Annie Mac, Friction, as well as dnb figurehead and RAM Records head honcho Andy C.

RAM Records have recently offered the young producer an exclusive record deal, which will see LaVice be catapulted to the top of the dnb work. It was a great opportunity to see the young DJ at a small venue, before he grows to a populated size.

Last up was RAM Records favourite Calyx & TeeBee. The duo have perfectly sculpted music, and this comes across when you see their live set.  Long timers to the dnb game, Calyx & TeeBee are always forward-thinking, and packed with as much integrity as energy. The pair dropped their old school classics including ‘Follow The Leader’, a track featured on Calyx’s debut album. the song was also picked up by computer gaming giant Rockstar and used in their global TV advertising campaign for the ‘Midnight Club’ game series.

They played are thoroughly enjoyable set, and one that wasn’t plagued with the sound of commercial drum&bass. That was a nice change from the norm. Now we wait in huge anticipation for the pair’s album release on RAM. It incorporates half a decade of hard work and Calyx & TeeBee’s incredible musical and technical knowledge. It is undoubtedly one of the most highly anticipated follow-ups in dnb history and will prove the duo to be one of the most exciting acts in electronic music today.

Venue – 6/10

DJ/Band – 8/10

Music – 6/10

Overall – 6/10