TuneLab
MIKE SHANNON dub house and techno set in The Lab LDN
Mike Shannon's dub house and techno set in The Lab LDN is a masterclass in subtraction, a deep, echoing journey where space is as important as sound. This is music for the heads-down crew, the ones who find rhythm in delay trails and melody in reverb tails. The vibe is cavernous and introspective, a dark room where the bass frequencies physically massage your spine. Operating at a steady 125 BPM average and deeply anchored in the 12A key, this is dub techno in its purest form: all muted kicks, hissing hi-hats, and ghostly chords.
The energy balance is expertly managed, with a solid low-end (0.57 avg) supporting textured mids and just enough high-end sparkle to define the space. Shannon's mixing is patient and atmospheric, allowing tracks like the 18-minute epic 'Marvins Touch' by T.Markakis to unfold completely, building a hypnotic, almost meditative state. The choice of Hamsa International's 'Endless M.I.E.F.' is perfect, its dubwise percussion and ethereal pads setting the tone. Antoine Clamaran's 'Do the Funk' dub version adds a touch of classic, swung funk, while Gregory Porter's 'Liquid Spirit' in the Claptone remix is a surprising yet effective soulful interlude.
Menta Music's 'Orlanda' provides a more driving, minimal moment. He begins with the deep, pulsing ambience of Circulation's 'Mauve (Mix A)', builds a sustained, resonant peak through the extended journey of 'Marvins Touch', and concludes with the crisp, percussive funk of Koett's 'EQ Band (Christian Burkhardt Remix)' as the closing track. This live set is a deep, rewarding dive for anyone who believes the best parties happen in the echo chamber.