Various Artists Drum & Bass Arena: Fabio & Grooverider

• Words: Ryan Romana
• Label: Resist
• XLR8R Rating: /10

The Drum & Bass Arena website chooses wisely on this release, pairing the godfather dons of the genre on this double CD. Fabio lays down his singularly funky mix of rolling beats and the world's most buttery basslines. Influences from lover's rock (Calibre) to cinematic soundscapes (High Contrast) butt up against Breakage's natty dubwise movements, breathing new life into liquid funk. Meanwhile, Grooverider-the Mr. Hyde of this duo-beats you into submission by unleashing monster tuneage from Dillinja, Hive, and DJ Fresh, among others. Rough and smooth.