TuneLab
Jaytech - Anjunadeep 04 CD2
We're the kind of people who get a peculiar thrill from hearing 'Pjanoo' in a mix from 2010, as if identifying its exact timestamp validates our entire existence. This is Jaytech's contribution to the Anjunadeep 04 compilation, a time capsule of when progressive house was all about the journey, not the drop. The vibe is pure sunset terrace, where the lights are just coming on and the first real drinks of the evening are being ordered, all underpinned by a sense of optimistic melancholy. Technically, it's a masterclass in fluid, harmonic mixing anchored at an average BPM of 130, with the open, emotive key of 12A serving as a frequent home base.
The energy profile is remarkably consistent—nearly 80% low-end warmth—allowing for a seamless, undulating arc where the bassline is the true narrator. Jaytech's mixing is so smooth it's almost subliminal, using long, evolving blends that prioritize mood over flash. The harmonic progression feels intentional, moving through related keys like 3B and 4B to create subtle emotional shifts without jarring the listener. For crate diggers, the set is a treasure trove of era-defining moments: the deep, rolling groove of Jaytech and James Grant's 'The Lemon Effect' that opens proceedings, the timeless piano-house explosion of Eric Prydz's 'Pjanoo (Club Mix)', and the driving, cosmic energy of Critical Choice's 'Out of Orbit'.
The inclusion of RÜFÜS DU SOL's 'Lately' in a contemporary Adam Ten & Mita Gami remix shows a clever update to the classic formula, while Paul Keeley's 'A Sort of Homecoming (Michael Cassette Remix)' provides the perfect, heart-swelling finale. The journey is textbook Anjunadeep: it begins with the melodic introspection of 'The Lemon Effect', builds to a communal peak with 'Pjanoo', and sends us off into the night with the nostalgic chords of 'A Sort of Homecoming'.