I recently fired up Neon White on Steam after taking a break from it for a couple of years. This time around, I didn’t dive into the game for the thrill of speedrunning – instead, I just wanted to soak in the soundtrack. Angel Matrix’s first-person speedrunning adventure from 2022 is powered by an exhilarating mix of synth and drum beats, all crafted by the talented Machine Girl. I remember when Neon White was released, it served as my initiation into the world of drum and bass. Competing for high scores allowed the music to really resonate with me, and ever since, it’s been my go-to genre, fitting seamlessly into any mood or scenario.
Instrumentals are perfect companions for my work, helping me slide into a focused state where I’m at my most productive, uninterrupted by distracting lyrics. Drum and bass, with its rapid, flowing rhythms, seems to synchronize perfectly with my thoughts. Whether I’m tackling household chores or just strolling to the local grocery store, it’s my trusty soundtrack. The brief nature of many DnB tracks, often under two minutes, makes them easy to dip into or enjoy on repeat without feeling overwhelmed.
The drum and bass universe is incredibly expansive and, admittedly, I’ve just barely scratched the surface. Yet, each time I listen, I discover more intriguing artists. Some that have caught my attention include Black Balloons, boy 2000, Passing Currents, and TOKYOPILL. And I can’t forget Star Power Drums on Instagram, who effortlessly brings the drum and bass genre to life with a real drum kit – it’s mesmerizing to watch.
Dipping my toes into drum and bass has also made me revisit classic game soundtracks that feature breathtaking DnB elements, like the Ibuki Stage from Street Fighter 3: 3rd Strike. Amon Tobin’s work on Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory also stands the test of time, with his compositions still sounding fresh. And let’s not overlook the entire soundtrack of Ape Escape – it’s packed with energy. Growing up, I was exposed to these soundtracks, though for some reason, they didn’t leave a lasting impression at the time. It was during my sessions with Neon White that everything clicked, giving me a newfound appreciation for these tunes. Now, I’m eager to unearth more drum and bass gems from the gaming archives, and I’d gladly welcome any recommendations you can offer.
