Marcus Intalex has rightly become a figurehead for intelligent and soulful drum & bass. His many years in the scene and his commitment to signing and releasing consistently great music through Soul:R throughout the label's history have made him a key tastemaker for DJs and listeners across the globe. After a brief hiatus, his club night Soul:ution is back and it continues to go from strength to strength with line ups featuring sought after artists like Calibre, dBridge and current man of the moment S.P.Y. There's always been something missing though…

Finally, 21 is here.

It's amazing to think that with such a lengthy career already behind him and such a revered position within drum and bass that this is Marcus' first solo LP, so thank goodness is was worth the wait! The title apparently refers to the 21 years Marcus has spent in the industry and as you might expect the record itself draws on the wealth of influence and knowledge he has amassed over that time. Having been vocal in his support of the detroit techno sound and instrumental in popularising the current trend for the minimal and musical dnb styles that have evolved from those roots, it's no surprise to hear this as a major element of the record. The trademark funk and soul synonymous with Soul:R are present too making this a collection suitable for the iPod or the dancefloor.

The final cut features 12 tracks the main part of which are dnb tempo although there are a few excursions into the 130-140 bracket which serve to break up the record nicely. From the moody opener 'Make a Raise ft. S.P.Y and Ras Tweed' , the pace and sound morphs comfortably from track to track with a good selection of guest appearances making this a cohesive and varied collection.

The are a few surprises, including a cover of 'Climbing up the Walls' from Radiohead's seminal OK Computer record featuring Lynx and Fierce. This rendition is a nice variation on the original and brings some fresh ideas to the table but it lacks some of the terrifying claustrophobia that made Radiohead's version so intense. The summery dub-reggae vibes of 'Paulista' are a welcome if unexpected addition to the album and are just begging for the beach and barbecue season to begin properly.

Other particularly noteworthy tracks include the uplifting liquid of 'Celestial Navigation', the airy drumstep of 'Regrets' featuring the etherial vocal talents of Riya, the fantastically named 'Wacky Races' and the chilled out breakbeat flavoured 'From the Ashes' .

The closer 'Make Way' is a reflective number with Soul:R mainstay MC DRS at his most soulful, offering "All this'll make sense one day, my times running out and I'm still trying to make may" It left me pondering whether in penning the track the writers  were voicing their own feelings, and if so, on what level. Artistically at least, I think 21 brings Marcus pretty close to his goal. Let's just hope we don't have to wait another 21 years for the next LP.