Davide Squillace, Martin Buttrich and Timo Maas in The Lab LDN
When Davide Squillace, Martin Buttrich, and Timo Maas tag-team The Lab LDN, you prepare for a masterclass in sleek, European tech-house—the kind where the percussion is so intricate you could set your watch to it. The room feels like a minimalist art installation, all clean lines and precise sonic shadows. Operating at a locked 122 BPM with a strong preference for the 12A key, this set is a deep, driving exploration of groove.
The low-end energy averages a substantial 0.60, providing a rock-solid foundation, while the mids (0.36) are reserved for subtle atmospheric pads and rhythmic textures, with highs kept deliberately low (0.04) for a warm, analog feel. The mixing is seamless and linear, building tension through layered drums and occasional key shifts into 3B and 5A. Standout tracks include Kevin Holdeen's 'Singularity' for its cosmic depth, Festiva's 'Cerberus' as a menacing opener, and Cassian, YOTTO & Da Hool's 'Love Parade' for its anthemic, trance-tinged melody.
Butch & C.Vogt's 'Bliss' is a minimalist roller, and Solee's 'Shanti' gets another well-deserved airing as a hypnotic centerpiece. It all begins with the dark pulse of 'Cerberus', builds to a euphoric peak with the melodic swell of 'Love Parade', and cools down with the quirky, offbeat charm of Bonafique's 'Freddo'.