Peace Division

And the diverse sound of UK house

By ADA HUTCHINSON

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In house music, the London scene has always been underground. An urban landscape where jungle, trance and grime can crush the competition, London's house-heads struggle to survive, in part due to their devotion to music other than house. Peace Division, though, is starting to rattle some cages. "The way house music has developed in the UK is totally different to any other country," writes Justin Drake from London. "Right from the start, you had DJs like Andy Weatherall with totally eclectic tastes."

Drake is one-half of a decade-long duo whose star has climbed far enough to be featured on "BBC Essential Mix," the premiere showcase for dance music in the world. "When you look back at who's done [a guest mix], you realize that you are in seriously good company," writes Drake. "It's been good to be acknowledged like this. Personally I'm more of a hobbit and I don't really get involved in too much networking."

Drake is very much in step with his London house brethren, having been raised on an multifaceted diet, which, in turn, churns out similarly schizophrenic music. "People were listening to the Happy Mondays and My Bloody Valentine," he says of his generation's growth. "Things were really mixed up." Drake continues to find inspiration outside of the 4/4 beat, name-checking Vampire Weekend, Late of the Pier and Glasvegas as recent discoveries.

Peace Division's sudden success still befuddles Drake. "We have been doing this for a long time, wondering if anyone will be interested in the music that we're making," he says. "I've never felt that we've reached our potential. That's what keeps you going."

PEACE DIVISION

WITH JAY PROUTY

FRIDAY 11.21.08

THE ESTATE

ONE BOYLSTON PL., BOSTON

617.351.7000

10PM/21+/$15 ADV, $20 DOS

THEESTATEBOSTON.COM

MYSPACE.COM/PEACEDIVISION