Pessimist

Bristol, U.K.-based Kristian Jabs produces sparse yet tension-heavy drum'n'bass as Pessimist. His work is sleek, dark, and intelligent, clearly recalling Photek and Source Direct, but forging its own path. His work isn't entirely as gloomy or nihilistic as this name suggests, but this is certainly not the most dancefloor-friendly music available. His first tracks appeared in 2010. Additional releases continued at a prolific pace. In 2012, Jabs began releasing material as part of Ruffhouse, a trio rounded out by Nick Callaghan and Tom Cooper. Around 2015, Jabs' music had become more experimental, and subsequent releases drifted somewhere between experimental drum'n'bass and deep techno. Pessimist's self-titled debut full-length appeared in 2017. ~ Paul Simpson