Unknown Error is a UK drum and bass group from Maidstone, Kent, made up of Robert Dickeson and Jim Gash. Active from 2004 to 2007, the pair begin making music after meeting through work and discovering they share the same interest in drum and bass.

Style and sound

Their sound is described as musical but dark, ranging between harder and lighter sides of drum and bass. Their productions combine orchestral elements with twisted, rough textures, and they are associated with drum and bass, neurofunk and darkstep.

Early releases and label work

Renegade Hardware first picks up an Unknown Error tune in 2004, and the group’s debut release, Shadows, appears on the label in January 2005. It features on The Chronicles Vol. 4 EP, the first Renegade Hardware release of that year. The release enters the BBC 1Xtra DnB chart at number 8 and is also included on Guerrilla Warfare, a CD mixed by Grooverider.

They go on to release tracks on Trouble On Vinyl, Cymbalism, Moving Shadow, Defcom and Horizons, as well as Unknown Error Digital. Their releases help establish them beyond newcomer status in the scene.

Notable tracks and remixes

The group’s remix of Kryptic Minds and Leon Switch’s More Like You gains significant support from DJs including Calyx, Teebee, Noisia, Dylan and Pendulum. It also helps push the track into the BBC 1Xtra top 10. Another track they single out as a key production is Hellraiser, while Bluekey appears in their list of current favourites.

They also work on the title track and A-side sampler for Renegade Hardware’s Fear No Evil, along with a remix of Universal Project’s Bleach.

Collaborations and associated labels

Unknown Error collaborate with Spor on Teebee’s Subtitles imprint, and also appear on Lifted Music alongside Chris Renegade, Evol Intent and Ewun. Lifted Music is described as a label run by Chris Renegade and built around a small group of artists working together.

Performances and influences

The group’s first DJ appearance as Unknown Error takes place in Belgium alongside Calyx. They name The End in London as their favourite venue and Toruń in Poland as their best show in 2006.

Their influences in drum and bass include Calyx, Teebee, Noisia and )EIB(, while outside the genre they cite Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Miles Davis and James Brown. They also name Ed Rush & Optical and Bad Company as reference points for an important period in drum and bass.