What is the Difference Between Jungle and Drum and Bass

Jungle and drum and bass are both subgenres of electronic dance music (EDM). They use fast breakbeats and have heavy, deep basslines that are felt as much as they are heard. Although they share many similarities, there is a distinct difference between jungle and drum and bass.

What is the difference between jungle and drum and bass? Jungle has a rawer sound, blending chopped-up breakbeats and heavy basslines with Jamaican music styles like dub and ragga. In contrast, drum and bass focuses more on clean rhythms and beats, with fewer outside influences, which gives it a smoother and more polished feel.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Jungle 
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Drum and Bass
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Jungle and Drum and Bass
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Jungle and Drum and Bass
     – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Jungle and Drum and Bass
     – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Jungle, Drum and Bass, EDM

What is Jungle Music

Jungle music is a fast-paced, energetic style of electronic dance music (EDM) that first became popular in London during the early 1990s. It is known for its deep basslines and rapid breakbeats. It originally grew out of breakbeat hardcore music from the rave scene. Jungle music also helped inspire other genres like drum and bass and ragga jungle.

Jungle music typically plays at around 160 beats per minute, which makes it faster than reggae and many other EDM styles. The tracks often have a mix of heavy bass, quick drum patterns known as “breakbeats,” and various samples—from hip-hop vocals to classic funk and reggae sounds. One of the most famous samples used in jungle music is the “Amen break,” a drum solo from the song Amen, Brother by The Winstons.

Some of the biggest names in jungle music include Andy C, a pioneer in drum and bass; Aphrodite, known for his high-energy “jump-up” style; Shy FX, who created jungle anthems like “Original Nuttah”; and Roni Size, who gained critical acclaim and won awards with his group Reprazent.

What is Drum and Bass

Drum and bass or D&B is a type of electronic dance music (EDM) that’s characterized by high energy, fast beats, and deep, powerful bass. It started in the UK in the early 1990s and grew out of the rave scene. From the start, drum and bass made rhythm its main focus and built songs around fast-paced drum patterns called breakbeats, heavy basslines, and catchy samples from other musical styles.

One of the key features of drum and bass is its tempo, which usually falls between 160 and 180 beats per minute. This is much faster than most other music. Combined with deep, vibrating basslines—usually created with synthesizers—this music literally shakes the dance floor.

Even though drum and bass isn’t always in the mainstream spotlight today, it still has a strong fanbase, especially in the UK. It has also inspired many subgenres. For example, liquid funk adds a smooth, melodic twist, while sambass mixes in Latin rhythms.

Similarities Between Jungle and Drum and Bass

1. They are subgenres of electronic dance music (EDM).
2. Both use fast breakbeats, usually around 160–180 BPM.
3. They have heavy, deep basslines that are felt as much as they are heard.
4. Both often use sampled drum loops, especially the famous “Amen break.”

Difference Between Jungle and Drum and Bass

Definition

• Jungle music is a fast-paced, energetic style of electronic dance music (EDM) that first became popular in London during the early 1990s. In contrast, Drum and bass or D&B is a type of electronic dance music (EDM) that’s characterized by high energy, fast beats, and deep, powerful bass.

Origin

• Jungle originated in the early 1990s, while Drum and Bass developed from jungle later.

Tempo

• Drum and Bass is often slightly faster and tighter than Jungle.

Nature

• Jungle has a rawer sound, blending chopped-up breakbeats and heavy basslines with Jamaican music styles like dub and ragga. In contrast, drum and bass focuses more on clean rhythms and beats, with fewer outside influences, which gives it a smoother and more polished feel.

FAQ – Jungle and Drum and Bass

1. Is jungle the same as drum and bass?

No, jungle and drum and bass are similar but not the same. Jungle music, which came first in the 1990s, has more reggae and hip-hop influences, with faster breakbeats and heavy basslines. Drum and bass evolved from jungle but tends to have a more polished sound and faster rhythms.

2. What is the difference between jungle and drum and bass and garage?

Jungle has fast breakbeats, deep bass, and strong influences from reggae and dancehall. Drum and Bass is similar but more polished and focused on rhythm, with fewer outside music influences. Garage (UK Garage) is smoother, often slower, and has more vocal samples and a bouncier, shuffled beat.

3. What is the difference between drums and bass?

The drums create the rhythm and beat of a song, usually using instruments like snare, kick, and cymbals. The bass adds deep, low sounds that support the melody and help connect the rhythm to the rest of the music.

4. Where is DnB most popular?

Drum and bass (DnB) is most popular in the United Kingdom, especially in cities like London and Bristol, where it originated.

Reference:

1. “Jungle Music Genre: An Overview of Jungle Music History” MasterClass.

2. “All About Drum and Bass Music: Brief History of Drum and Bass.” MasterClass.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Purple Fireworks Effect” (CC0) via Pexels.com

2. “Drum and bass graphism” By Dumitru Ursu – Circles (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia