Neon Diffraction and Fenton King let the blues drift into drum 'n' bass on new single 'Stay a While'

For their new release 'Stay a While', Neon Diffraction pair the speed and fluidity of liquid drum 'n' bass with a vocal performance that feels rooted in blues and soul, creating a track that moves quickly without sounding emotionally rushed.

The collaboration brings together producer Rupert Goddard and Fenton King, formerly of Sick as Thieves, and the strongest decision is to let King's voice remain the emotional centre of the song.

The DnB framework is clearly important, with rolling breaks, deep bass and spacious electronic textures giving the track its momentum, but the production still leaves enough room for King's blues-influenced phrasing to carry weight and character.

There's warmth in the vocal, but movement underneath it. The production feels cinematic and late-night, while the rhythm section keeps the song from drifting too far into atmosphere.

As a result, 'Stay a While' sits comfortably between contemporary liquid DnB and more traditional soul songwriting.

As the opening release in a planned four-part collaboration, 'Stay a While' sets out a clear identity for this new venture.

Neon Diffraction and Fenton King are exploring what happens when blues and soul are given the space and momentum of liquid drum 'n' bass. And on this first outing, the combination feels like a natural extension of both.