TuneLab
Mixtress
Keep Hush Live: Westival 2022
The moment Mixtress drops High Contrast's 'If We Ever', we're all transported back to a specific, slightly damp rave where the bass felt like a heartbeat. This isn't just a drum & bass set; it's a history lesson delivered at 169 BPM, and we're here for the exam. The Westival 2022 stage, probably shrouded in smoke and laser grids, becomes a temple for the faithful, where every amen break is a collective sigh of recognition. Technically, it's a relentless, high-octane ride, averaging 169 BPM and locking into keys like 12A and 4A for a sense of soaring, melodic continuity amidst the chaos.
The energy arc is a near-constant peak, with the low-end holding a solid 0.57 for that sub-bass foundation, while the mid and high frequencies ebb and flow to create moments of tension and release. The mixing is precise and punchy, typical of the genre, using quick cuts and doubles to keep the momentum feverish without losing harmonic cohesion. For the heads, the tracklist is a treasure trove. Roy Ayers' 'Everybody Loves The Sunshine' sampled and spliced is a stroke of genius, a moment of warmth in the storm.
Vromm's 'Level Up' with Rider Shafique is a modern anthem, while Doc Scott's and Nasty Habits' versions of 'Shadow Boxing' offer a masterclass in jungle evolution. Ed Rush & Nico's 'Proton' brings that neurofunk grit, and DjGemini's 'Make Me' is a slick, contemporary roller. The journey launches with the emotional swell of 'If We Ever', hits its frenetic peak with the double-time chaos of 'Shadow Boxing', and comes home to the classic vibes of High Contrast's 'The Basement Track'. A set that makes you want to hug the stranger next to you and then immediately run a marathon.