Review: Calyx & Teebee - All Or Nothing

All Or Nothing, the long awaited album of Ram Records' new signings Calyx & Teebee has finally landed. Both veterans in their own right, the two have been releasing individual material since back in the 90's, this album represents their second collaborative album following up their 2007 effort Anatomy.

The album begins with Heroes & Villains, starting off with a peaceful, euphoric intro, this is quite simply the calm before the storm as you are next lead straight into pure neurofunk destruction. The latest single Pure Gold is next up, featuring the prolific Kemo. Kemo showcases his lyrical ability with nostalgic rhymes on the intro reminiscing the good times, succeeded by more brilliant production with a hard-hitting guitar until the beat is brought in. You are now in the grips of this album and it is now seemingly impossible to stop listening.

Skank takes the album to the next step, punching beats leading to perhaps the largest drop on the album packed with tight drums and pulsating bass. Foreign Beggars and DJ Craze feature on the next track, We Become One, featuring great vocals from the UK rap collective and outstanding production and some scratching to throw in aswell. This is followed by the anthemic Elevate This Sound which shows off Calyx himself on vocal duty. This is a track which after every time you hear in the rave, you hear more and more people singing along with you as the lyrics are infectious. This was the second single off the album which had Hurting on the flip side, leaving Hurting off the album was a bit of a surprise to me but this tells you of the strength of the album to no end. The next two tracks, We Fall Away and Scavenger, the first single off the album, again show off the pair's relentless side again keeping the pace of the album at the highest level.

Strung Out features Calyx on vocals again, this half time number is perhaps the most diverse and funkiest track on the album, demonstrating the duo's production skills can be delicate as well as destructive.
You'll Never Take Me Alive features the endlessly talented Beardyman, and just adds more quality to the already impressive album. Starstruck signals the near end of the album, with simple bass structure and lovely synths, not being as bashful as the other tracks but equally as worthy. The album is then rounded off by the nasty Back & Forth and the amen break heavy Nothing I Can Say.

For me, this is the drum & bass album of the year, maybe even of the decade, meticulously produced to perfection. Each track brimming with class, playing to all possible emotions and leaving it near impossible to pick a favourite. Calyx & Teebee have now cemented their place at the top of the drum & bass game, alongside their epic 6-deck DJ set experience, they now have exemplary brand new material which will leave you wanting even more.

Gully Tips - The whole album, seriously.

Gully Rating -10/10

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