Link Barret - the young Welsh mastermind at the forefront of the current d+b scene - grew up more interested in films than music. It was J Majik's "Arabian Nights" which turned the then 17 year old Lincoln onto drum and bass, though he's now just as likely to be playing along.

Lincoln's sound could be described as 21st century disco, or quite simply the most uplifting drum+bass we have ever heard. In June 2002 Link's debut LP "True Colours" was released on Hospital to massive critical acclaim, with the singles 'Return of Forever' and 'Global love' nudging their way into the UK singles chart. The rise of High Contrast has been meteoric and looks set to go on and on. He is currently juggling the demands of being one of the most in demand DJ's on the circuit along with a constant string of remix requests. We should also point out that Link doesn't drink, eat meat or take drugs, and that his dad used to manage to Shakin Stevens, and taught him how to dance.

The name High Contrast needs no introduction anymore; though when a young Lincoln Barrrett signed on the dotted line back in 2000 he was a complete unknown. Signed on the strength of his mini-disc demos, the Welsh wonder has smashed his way through the d+b scene in no time at all.

His debut longplayer "True Colours" was released on Hospital to massive critical acclaim in June 2002, paving the way for a move onto the outernational dj circuit and remixer of choice for so many labels inside and outside of the drum+bass community. It has been the club sessions and mixing skills that have dominated the year since the True Colours dropped, but with the onset of Autumn we're finally welcoming the first wave of new music from the Red Square system.

Album number 2 is on the schedule for summer 2004. So long as we can keep him away from airport lounges once or twice a month, that deadline might just be met. In the meantime, for the next earful of dubplate exclusives be sure to check your next Contrast set.