What Came Before – Chase & Status
Released in June 2022, What Came Before is the sixth studio album by London electronic duo Chase & Status. By revisiting the rave, jungle, and early bass music that shaped their formative influences, the album delivers an energetic homage to pre‑2000s dance culture blended with contemporary UK grime and drill collaborations. Featuring guest artists across genres—such as Takura, Popcaan, Unknown T, IRAH, BackRoad Gee, and Pip Millett—the record bridges their underground roots with modern pop sensibilities.
Key Highlights
- Opens with “Don’t Be Scared” (ft. Takura), a high‑intensity fusion of acid, jungle, and D&B energy
- Genre‑spanning tracks: from hypnotic rave soundscapes to grime, dancehall, UK drill, and emotive balladry
- Features standouts like Censor (Popcaan & IRAH), Run Up (Unknown T), When It Rains (BackRoad Gee), and Consciousness for darker, futuristic D&B layers
- Released on heavyweight black vinyl, capturing the punchy production and gritty textures of the duo’s sound
Tracklisting
1. Don’t Be Scared (feat Takura)
2. Go
3. Censor (feat Popcaan & IRAH)
4. Mixed Emotions
5. Over & Done (feat Pip Millett)
6. Run Up (feat Unknown T)
7. 5AM
8. Headtop (feat IRAH)
9. When It Rains (feat BackRoad Gee)
10. Hold Your Ground (feat Ethan Holt)
11. Blazer (feat IRAH)
12. Consciousness
13. Forgive Dark
Fun Fact
The album’s title concept is literal: Chase & Status intended What Came Before to reflect the sounds and influences that inspired them before their first rave, jungle tracks, and first original music project - a creative rewind to their roots.
Why You Should Buy This Vinyl
- Dancefloor history in your hands: a modern tribute to the influential early‑90s bass sounds that defined UK rave culture
- Audiophile‑worthy pressing: heavyweight vinyl preserves clarity, bass depth, and dynamic punch for club‑style listening
- Stunning variety: from high‑octane jungle workouts to introspective, genre‑bending collaborations that expand their sonic palette
- Collector appeal: visually simple and durable black vinyl release, ideal for fans of drum & bass and British electronic evolution
This vinyl edition of What Came Before packs Chase & Status’s past and present into a cohesive yet adventurous record - making it a compelling pick for both vinyl collectors and electronic music aficionados.