TuneLab
Dusky - Stick By This
Anniversary editions of classic albums often feel like cynical cash-grabs, but Dusky’s 'Stick By This' continuous mix is a reminder of why we fell in love with deep house and tech house in the first place. This is the sound of a duo refining their craft to near-perfection, for those of us who still get shivers from a well-executed filter sweep. The vibe is nostalgic yet fresh, like finding an old photo that somehow predicts your current life. Technically, the mix operates in that sweet spot where deep house meets tech house, with BPMs likely hovering around 122-125 and a harmonic palette that balances melancholy and warmth.
The energy is evenly split between low and mid (49% each), creating a balanced sound where rhythmic drive and melodic detail share the spotlight. Dusky’s mixing is crisp and energetic, with tracks layered to enhance their rhythmic interplay rather than blur them together. For standout moments, the opening 'Silence Never Heard' sets a deep, atmospheric tone with its haunting pads. 'Dusky feat.
Janai - Lost In You' is the emotional centerpiece, especially in its epic 'Herbert’s Lost Dub' version, while 'Plastique' offers a tougher, more percussive tech house groove. 'I’m Running' provides a driving, vocal-led peak, and 'Grain' delves into minimal, textured territory. The journey begins with the introspective 'Silence Never Heard', builds to the anthemic heights of 'Lost In You', and closes with the title track 'Stick By This’, a fitting resolution to a decade-defining album. A Dusky continuous mix that proves some records only get better with age.