TuneLab
Awakenings ADE 2019 - Matrixxman
Matrixxman at Awakenings ADE 2019 is a lesson in how to be both esoteric and utterly floor-shaking. For those of us who spend hours trawling Discogs for weirdo edits, this set feels like a personal reward. The vibe is that of a dark, packed club where the crowd is more interested in the sequencer patterns than any Instagram opportunities. He operates at a steady 133 BPM, with a strong preference for the 12A key, crafting a set that's both driving and subtly nuanced. The energy is heavily low-end focused (76.2% avg low), providing a solid, pulsating foundation that allows his selection of quirky, percussion-heavy tracks to shine.
Mixing is tight and functional, with quick cuts and blends that keep the momentum high, while occasional key modulations to 3B and 8B introduce darker, more complex moods. His crate-digging is exceptional: opening with Liza's 'Treat You Better' is a curveball—a vocal-led track that immediately grabs attention. Blawan's 'Kalosi' follows, a brutalist techno weapon that reasserts the dancefloor agenda. The inclusion of Benassi Bros. & Sandy's 'Illusion' feels like a hilarious, genius nod to trancey excess, while Kabylie Minogue's 'Mrs.
Charanjit' offers a slice of psychedelic, sample-heavy weirdness. Activa's 'Daydream' provides a moment of melodic, progressive house relief before the finale. The journey kicks off with the unexpected vocal hook of 'Treat You Better', builds to a peak with the relentless drive of 'Kalosi', and winds down with the euphoric chords of Axwell's 'Feel the Vibe'. A set that proves techno can be both brainy and brutally effective.