TuneLab
HOLLIS PARKER in The Lab LDN
We've all been there: squinting at a dusty vinyl sleeve in a basement bar, trying to decode the producer's name. Hollis Parker's The Lab LDN session is for us, a deep dive into the kind of house music that prioritizes groove over glory. This isn't a mainstage affair; it's for the heads who find solace in a perfectly looped bassline. The Lab's intimate setting is all muted lights and focused energy, a temple for the subterranean shuffle. Technically, Parker locks into a hypnotic 122 BPM groove, with the harmonic centre of gravity firmly in the soulful 12A, peppered with excursions to the jazzy 7A and the moody 3B.
The energy balance is classic deep house: a strong, foundational low-end (0.58 avg) cradles rich mid-range textures (0.31 avg), while high-end elements (0.11 avg) are used sparingly as accent marks, not exclamation points. The mixing is patient and blend-heavy, allowing each track's personality to breathe and merge. The crate digging here is impeccable. Opening with Pepe Bradock's timeless 'Deep Burnt' immediately signals this won't be a chart-chasing ride. Andre Salmon's 'Verkro' is a minimal, percussion-driven weapon for the deep hours.
Sandy B's 'Make the World Go Round' gets the Deep Dish treatment, transforming it into a swirling, hypnotic anthem. The inclusion of FCL's 'It's You' in San Soda's Panorama Bar Acca Version is a masterstroke, a warm, dubby hug that epitomizes the set's vibe. The journey meanders beautifully: from the smoky intrigue of 'Deep Burnt', through the peak-time, piano-driven rush of Anthony Selvaggio & David Pintó's 'Congarama (Glenn Gonzalez Remix)', to the cheeky, filtered closure of Lissat & Richard Grey's 'S.H.A.M.E. (Radio Edit)'.