The Upbeats

Playing Mountain Mardi Gras 11:30pm 28 June

Since announcing their arrival on the drum 'n' bass scene in 2004 – creating more of a shockwave than a mere splash – with their self-titled debut album, Wellington producers The Upbeats have continued to forge an impressive reputation as both masters of their craft and the future of drum'n'bass. 

Enjoying both critical and commercial success with their 2004 debut LP, The Upbeats have positioned themselves among the highest pantheons of the genre across the world, recording and releasing through influential imprints BC Presents, Ed Rush and Optical's Virus Recordings, Renegade Hardware, Project 51 and Project Human. 

But what sets the partnership of Wellingtonian's Jeremy Glenn and Dylan Jones apart from the myriad of drum'n'bass producers both in New Zealand and abroad – many of whom have extensive record-label pedigrees in their own right – is the unique, diverse and cutting-edge Upbeat style. Producing music together for seven years, Glenn and Jones have crafted a sound that ranges between frenetic and energetic liquid funk, intensely moody and claustrophobic drum'n'bass, and soulful indulgences of elevation. 

The sheer diversity and inventiveness of their sound has paid dividends, as the Upbeats have been in demand the world over for their ability to traverse the eclectic tastes of dance music's fandom. Their electric live performance has seen The Upbeats play in clubs, festivals and events across the US, Australia and Europe, taking them through Portugal, Austria, Switzerland, the UK, France, Slovenia, Estonia, Hungary and the Netherlands. Along the way The Upbeats have played alongside the cream of international drum'n'bass, notably Grooverider, Andy C, Roni Size, Pendulum, DJ Hype, Zinc, DieselBoy, Concord Dawn, Shapeshifter and Bad Company. And now the wickedness this way comes…