TuneLab
Hutch
Mixmag Lab London
Hutch's Mixmag Lab London set is a clinic in no-nonsense, functional tech-house, the kind we pretend to be above but secretly crave when we just need to move without overthinking it. The Lab is stripped back, all business, with a laser focus on the groove. This set runs at a brisk average BPM of 131.5, locked into a 128-133 range for relentless forward motion. Harmonically, it's dominated by the 12A key, using its stable, driving quality to build a no-frills, effective soundscape.
The energy is expertly channeled: a strong low-end at 0.70 provides the undeniable thump, a present mid-range at 0.23 carries the rhythmic elements and occasional stabs, and a touch of high-end at 0.07 adds necessary crispness. Hutch's mixing is straightforward and effective, prioritizing flow over flashy tricks. The tracklist is a mix of modern tools and clever edits: PAWSA's 'What the Actual Funk' (in both its forms) is the relentless, loop-based backbone. X-Press 2's 'Say What!' (London Underground Mix) is a timeless, funky house injection, while Bombay Traffic's 'Soul Brother' remix adds soulful flair.
The inclusion of Plastikman's 'In Side' is a deep, minimal masterstroke, and LSDXOXO's 'Hateshopping' brings a gritty, electro edge. It opens and closes with the infectious loop of PAWSA's bomb, creating a circular, hypnotic journey that peaks with the classic house rush of 'Say What!' and the unexpected left-turn of Bellini's 'Samba de Janeiro' remix for a moment of pure, silly joy.