TuneLab
Artbat
Tomorrowland 2022 - WE 3
We’re all here for the same reason: to have our hearts gently ripped out by a Ukrainian duo on a Belgian mainstage. Artbat’s Tomorrowland 2022 set is precisely the kind of emotionally manipulative, beautifully produced melodic techno we secretly crave but pretend is for the masses. The sun has long set, replaced by a cathedral of LED screens and a crowd so vast it defies perspective. This is big-room introspection. Technically, this is a set built on precision. Averaging 129.7 BPM, it lives in that sweet spot between driving techno and emotive house.
The harmonic backbone is firmly in 3B, a key that lends itself to melancholic grandeur. The energy profile—0.496 avg mid, 0.420 avg low—tells the story: this is about the melody, not the kick. The low end is consistent but never overpowering, allowing the intricate mid-range synth work and pads to take center stage. Transitions are largely harmonic and patient, with key shifts into 9A and 7A providing subtle uplifts without jarring the flow. The BPM range from 115 to 171 shows a dynamic arc, starting with atmospheric builds and escalating to peak-time drivers. As crate diggers, we must applaud the selections.
The various iterations of the 'Age of Love' rework are the obvious headline, a masterstroke of updating a classic for the modern floor. 'Origin' with Shall Ocin is a darker, more percussive weapon from their own arsenal. The inclusion of Carlo Iacobelli's 'Somewhere' is a deep, atmospheric gem that shows their taste extends beyond big anthems. Maae's 'Descartes' is a rolling, hypnotic cut that built immense tension, while the epic 11-minute remix of Kölsch's 'All That Matters' was a bold, extended journey within the journey. Even the Monolink edit provided a moment of melodic house respite. The journey is clear: it opens with the cinematic sweep of the 'Age of Love' rave mix, peaks with the driving intensity of 'Origin,' and closes, perhaps predictably but effectively, with the festival-ready stomp of David Guetta & MORTEN's 'Solar.' A mainstage set that delivered exactly what it promised.