Like a Pickle in a Punchbowl

Among the 30+ live drum’n’bass sets I’ve had the fortune and pleasure to see since Summer ‘23, one in particular stands out like a pickle in a punchbowl:

Calyx, paired with MC Dino, at Escape.

Here’s the story:

Awash in a spurt of “fuck it let’s party” energy, I took a wee bit more acid than I normally would—which kicked in perfectly en route to the drum’n’bass stage.

If you’ve never had the pleasure, LSD can bring forth this boundless energy and body sensations that demand movement. So when Calyx took the stage, I was ready to go.

This set was my first experience with an MC, which is a common accompaniment for dnb artists, but not something I’d yet run into. And let me tell you, Dino was amazing—still my fave MC I’ve come across since.

Given Escape is a Halloween rave…

Dino was decked out as a hellfire preacher, sermonizing the crowd with rapidfire, well-timed bars, calling upon us devout dancers in the church of drum’n’bass. The Witchy Woods stage—spooky, satanic, and drenched in eerie lighting—was the perfect backdrop for his performance, intermingled with Calyx’s meticulous mixing.

Then came the most unique and memorable drop I’ve ever heard.

Calyx sent a sinuous tendril of sound snaking through the room, teasing and tickling with an unbearable tension that built and built and built for at least a few minutes, making the crowd practically vibrate. And just when you thought you couldn’t take it anymore—bam. Sweet, glorious release, like being edged to orgasm in sonic form.

The whole thing was absolutely a peak experience that I recall fondly—equal parts sonic, theatrical, euphoric, and electrifying delight. I’ve been recalling this memory more often this week because Calyx is playing in Vancouver tomorrow and I’m making the trip over for the night. 

While the setting will be different—no MC Dino and in a club rather than gracing a festival stage—I can’t wait to see what Calyx has in store.