TuneLab
AUDIOJACK in The Lab LA
Audiojack’s session in The Lab LA is a masterclass in no-frills, expertly engineered house music, the kind that makes us appreciate DJs who let the tracks do the talking. The setting is pure West Coast cool, all concrete and subtle lighting, with a crowd that’s here for the long, groovy haul. This is a deep and tech house voyage locked at a steady 125 BPM, a tempo that allows for maximum swing and pocket. The harmonic framework is overwhelmingly centered on 12A, used a staggering 24 times, creating a cohesive, hypnotic loop that Audiojack subtly manipulates throughout. The energy balance is classic house: a strong low end at 0.57 drives the four-on-the-floor heartbeat, while the mids at 0.30 introduce melodic elements and vocal snippets that tell a story. His mixing is clean and functional, with long, overlapping blends that create a seamless, river-like flow, never interrupting the groove for a cheap pop.
The minimal high end at 0.06 ensures the sound remains warm and immersive, a testament to the 'less is more' philosophy we all secretly champion. For the tracklist enthusiasts, there’s plenty to savor. Mall Grab’s 'Liverpool Street In The Rain' is a modern anthem, its melancholic melody and sturdy beat perfectly encapsulating a certain mood. Andy Compton’s 'That Acid Track' is a no-nonsense, 303-driven jacker that gets straight to the point. The Consoless remix of Blacktee’s 'Crystalline City' is a lush, atmospheric opener that sets a deep tone. Three Drives’ 'Greece 2000' in its Max Styler rework is a nostalgic, trance-tinged moment of pure euphoria.
Seb Wildblood’s 12-minute 'Bad Space Habits' is a deep, introspective journey that showcases the set’s range. It begins with the shimmering pads of 'Crystalline City (Consoless Remix)'. The peak might be the hands-in-the-air release of that 'Greece 2000' rework. Everything concludes with the subtle, walking bassline and crisp hats of Marco Strous’s 'Tip Toe', a closing track that feels like a gentle, satisfied exhale.