Total Science

Total Science

Total Science is a drum and bass group from Blackbird Leys, United Kingdom, made up of Jason Greenhalgh and Paul Smith, who also records as Spinback. The pair meet in 1987 while living on the Blackbird Leys estate in Oxford and first connect through a shared interest in hip-hop. After moving into record collecting, DJing and then production, they become active in the early 1990s and begin recording together in 1994.

Early work and labels

Jason Greenhalgh begins recording before the duo forms, with Freestyle Fanatic launching his career in 1991. A key early step for the pair is the Legend imprint, where Greenhalgh’s Champion Sound helps establish their profile. Their early recordings move away from the darker strain of drum and bass towards more expansive string arrangements and rolling rhythms.

After six years of recording singles for other labels, they set up CIA in late 1997 with help from Brillo of Timeless. They also record for Advance//d Recordings, C.I.A. and Triii Audio, among others, and their work spans labels associated with drum and bass, breaks and club-oriented electronic music.

Releases and style

Their first collaborative record is Got to Believe. A later Silent Reign EP on Metalheadz gives the project renewed momentum, and a Bad Company remix of Champion Sound brings further attention to their work. Their debut album Advance expands their sound, including downtempo experiments and material described as “Breaks” on early EPs. They also develop the Skin Deep imprint, which focuses on broken beat.

Total Science are also associated with a revival of old-school drum and bass sounds and arrangements, alongside Digital and Reinforced.