Every now and then, circumstances, talent, and hard work align in the perfect formation to propel an artist to stratospheric levels of recognition. To those in the know, Critical Impact has been killing it for ages, but recent years have seen him step up to DnB household-name status.

 

Even before he began producing his own music, he was intimately connected with the scene. Working with Dread Recordings and ATM Magazine, putting in the hours serving customers in Windsor's Menace Records, all while honing his skills as a deejay, the young Mr Impact put the graft in. An early break was becoming involved with the V Recordings' Movement nights, where he fell under the expert eye of Bryan Gee, who persuaded him to get in the studio.

 

His work ethic paid dividends as, almost immediately, his productions were lauded by the likes of Fabio & Grooverider, and he was signed (under the alter-ego “Will.I.Ain't”) to Twisted Individual's Zombie label.

 

Progress has been rapid ever since. The Critical Impact name has been seen on a series of releases on some of the most respected imprints in drum 'n' bass. To name just a few, Formation, Chronic, CIA and Clear Skyz have all played host to his brand of deep, dark, dancefloor rollers.

 

Always known for his work with vocalists, having collaborated with Carasel, Longman, Jakes and others throughout his career, late 2017 and early 2018 saw him take this style to unprecedented heights. His collaboration with Break and Skibadee, 'Creeper', became an immediate anthem, rolled out and rewound by A-list selectors from across the scene. And, since then, things have gone meteoric.

 

Support from a roll-call of scene tastemakers including Kings of the Rollers, Andy C and Kasra made the Playaz-released Skiba collab 'Bulletproof Vest' an instant hit. That, plus the DRS-laced 'Crazy' on Metalheadz, 'Pitch Black' featuring Coppa and a slew of dubs currently gracing the sets of elite deejays have shown the expansive versatility of the Critical Impact style.

 

And, now, with an ever-increasing reputation and a packed schedule of international bookings, the much-anticipated Critical Impact album is on its way. In case there was still any room for doubt, 2019 is about to see him indisputably cement his position among the top tier.

 

Critical Impact is a man who's put the time in and earned his stripes, and is now reaping the rewards. Pay close attention.