TuneLab
JASPER JAMES in The Lab LDN
Jasper James has a knack for making tech-house feel both meticulously curated and utterly spontaneous, like he's just pulled these gems from a crate that materialized beside the decks. The Lab LDN is all low ceilings and laser-cut smoke, the perfect environment for his groove-centric attack. This set is a masterclass in dynamic range, averaging 125 BPM but flexing from 122 to 160, all while maintaining a cohesive, driving pulse centered on the 3B key.
The energy balance is fascinating: a solid low-end at 0.49, a prominent mid-range at 0.38 for melodic hooks, and a touch of high-end sheen (0.13) for clarity. James uses harmonic shifts, notably into 4B and 6A, to guide the energy from deep, percussive cuts to hands-in-the-air moments. His track selection is impeccable: Kevin McKay & Joshwa's 'Such a Good Feeling' is an instant mood-lifter, Cosmic Sandwich's 'Zig Zag Feeling' sets a funky, off-kilter tone, and DJ Spektur's 'This Sound' is a raw, rolling weapon.
The inclusion of Space Junk's 'Rectangle (Vintage Edit)' is a genius bit of nostalgia, while Solee's 'Shanti' provides a long, hypnotic centerpiece. It all begins with the quirky 'Zig Zag Feeling', hits a peak with the anthemic 'Put Your Hands Up', and winds down with the classic house bump of 'Monopoly (Kenny Dope Remix)'.