TuneLab
Awakenings 29.12
VNTM (Live)
Of course the first track we Shazam is called 'XAXAXA'—because nothing says underground credibility like laughing at ourselves in binary. This VNTM live set from Awakenings 29.12 is a masterclass in why we still bother with tracklists, even when our phone battery is at 2%. The Gashouder in Amsterdam, that iconic steel drum, probably half-full of people who regret not wearing earplugs but are too committed to leave. Averaging a steady 128 BPM and orbiting primarily in the 12A Camelot wheelhouse, this progressive house set builds its narrative through patient, harmonic layering.
The energy profile—with lows dominating at 80.7%—creates a deep, pulsating foundation, while the mids at 15.56% and highs at 3.59% are deployed sparingly for maximum impact. Mixing is smooth and progressive, with key modulations between 12A and 3B keeping the journey cohesive, and the BPM range from 125 to 133 allows for subtle accelerations that feel natural rather than forced. The balance ensures a physical, chest-thumping presence without sacrificing melodic intrigue. Standouts include Verche's 'Paranatural' as remixed by Jan Peters, a tech-house weapon with a bassline that feels like a structural integrity test for subwoofers.
Sebastian Ingrosso's 'Kidsos' provides a moment of anthemic release, while Blacktee's 'Crystalline City' in Consoless's remix is a shimmering, melodic deep cut. Dale Howard's 'Rogue Keys' offers a percussive workout, and Angel Stoxx's 'Breadholes' gets the Stefano Kosa treatment for a gritty, driving moment—plus, the extended runtime of Chris Drifter's 'Flashback' remix shows a commitment to letting tracks breathe. It begins with the enigmatic 'XAXAXA', builds through the melodic depths of 'Paranatural', hits a euphoric peak with 'Kidsos', and winds down with the driving force of Benfay's 'Engage', leaving us exhausted but satisfied.