TuneLab
ATAXIA in The Lab NYC
ATAXIA in The Lab NYC feels like being shown the secret blueprint of a techno club, all functional parts and elegant connections laid bare for our nerdy appraisal. The vibe is focused and clinical in the best way, a white-walled box where the only decoration is the perfect parabola of a kick drum. This is driving, atmospheric techno with a progressive heart, operating at an average BPM of 127.1 and using the ubiquitous 12A as its harmonic workhorse. The energy arc is a long, satisfying climb, meticulously balancing a robust mid-range (0.47 avg) for melodic content against a steady, pumping low-end.
ATAXIA's mixing is precision-engineered, employing long, evolving blends that create a seamless, locomotive momentum, with key changes used sparingly for maximum emotional impact. The track selection is a tour of modern techno's deeper shades. Elissa's 'Ayami Beek' is a mysterious, rhythmic opener that immediately establishes a hypnotic tone. Oxia's 'Domino' is a timeless, driving classic that still sounds futurist, while Makebo & Volen Sentir's 'Alchemist' is a current masterpiece of melodic, progressive tension.
The Wehbba remix of Marc Marzenit's 'Perron' is a peak-time weapon of distorted synth fury. The inclusion of Todd Terry's 'Jumpin'' and Robin S.'s 'Luv 4 Luv' shows a respectful nod to house music's roots. From the enigmatic start of 'Ayami Beek', through the intense, swirling peak of Chase's 'Obsession', to the punishing close of 'Perron (Wehbba Remix)', this tracklist is a masterclass in narrative techno.