Conspicuous from the rest of Bristol's electronica scene by the absence of trip-hop or jungle leanings in their productions, Way Out West have instead pursued straightahead house and techno with closer ties to progressive British dancefloors than American hip-hop. The duo of Jody Wisternoff and Nick Warren first came together in the mid-'90s; Wisternoff was a veteran producer who had first recorded at the age of 14 (with fellow Bristolian house artists Smith & Mighty) while Warren was a high-profile DJ influenced by the sounds of Madchester. The duo began recording, and by 1996 their single "The Gift" became a big mover on dancefloors and the radio as well, thanks to a British advert which used the song. Signed to Deconstruction, Way Out West released their self-titled debut album in 1997. Warren, who spent time as the resident DJ at super-club Cream, has released several compilations detailing his mixing skills. — John Bush

House, Deep House