Don't be misled by the name. Omni Trio is in fact one man, Rob Haigh. He released Renegade Snares on the legendary Moving Shadow imprint in 1993, after which the tune rapidly established itself as a classic. Why?

There are the technical factors to consider. The drum programming on the track was way ahead of its time. Haigh's experimentation with pitch-shifting on the snare allowed him to play the drum almost like a toned instrument. He uses a number of varying patterns throughout the track that are dazzlingly complex but instantly catchy. It sounds almost as if you're listening to skilled percussionist, when in fact all the drums are sequenced – a rare accomplishment.

Then there are the musical elements. Most people remember the piano best, but there's also that uplifting vocal hook and a series of synth lines that soar above the piano, giving the tune a sublime, spine-tingling quality. At raves, in parties and in bedrooms across the land, this track has been the soundtrack to more euphoric experiences than we at Knowledge could care to mention.

As a scene-shaping tune, Renegade Snares is important because it was a convergence of two different styles. On the one hand, the life-affirming, ecstatic spirit of early rave is evident, reflected in that joyous piano and vocals. On the other, there is the frantic energy of early 90s jungle, a genre that in 1993 was developing rapidly but that was still some years away from coalescing into what we now know as drum & bass.

In the years following 'Renegade Snares', jungle began to take an altogether darker aspect as the likes of Goldie, Photek and others rejected the naivety of early rave and embraced more menacing themes. The vibe became moodier, more minimal and at times more aggressive. But Renegade Snares always remained as a reference point for an alternative possibility – a brighter, more optimistic place for which DJs and ravers have never lost their appetite.

The spirit of Renegade Snares lives on among artists such as High Contrast, whose feel-good, pop-inspired tracks have sometimes been labelled 'uplifting jungle'. Omni Trio invented this sound, and defined it with Renegade Snares. High Contrast, along with many others, has acknowledged the debt by faithfully remixing the tune.

 

• Omni Trio
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• Moving Shadow
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• Tunes That Shaped...

Related Links:

• Issue 66
• High Contrast Confidential preview
• Uprooted: High Contrast Cries A River
• Issue 39
• Podcast 03

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