Command Strange is Alexey Fuifanov, a Kazakhstan-born drum and bass producer now based in London. His introduction came early: his older brother brought home rave tapes, and by seven he was listening closely to the music. Writing his own tracks offered a way into a culture he could not easily access through record shops.
Soulful liquid funk formed his early production style, before darker, more technical tracks and jump-up rollers expanded the catalogue. Hip-hop, funk, soul and jungle remain important influences. Rather than keeping each style in a separate box, he follows the mood of an idea and lets it change direction when the track needs it.
His relationship with V Recordings brought those different sounds into the same label family. The Visions EP on Liquid V returned to brighter, musical writing, built around an old synthesiser melody, a warm bassline and carefully worked drums. Records such as Riots and Disco Ball on Chronic show the tougher side.
Collaborations with Alibi include Stardust, released alongside Major Groove in 2019. Fuifanov has described the partnership as an easy musical understanding, while his own catalogue extends through labels including Integral Records and Hospital Records. That range makes it worth listening beyond whichever Command Strange record first caught your ear: the contrast between smooth and rough is part of the appeal.
