NAINA set in The Lab LDN
NAINA's set in The Lab LDN feels like a lovingly chaotic raid on the UK's electronic underground, where breakbeat, garage, and hardcore fragments are reassembled into something both nostalgic and fiercely modern. Opening with Addison Groove's 'Brand New Drop' (Nikki Nair Remix)—a track that melds jungle breaks with contemporary bass design—she immediately signals that this won't be a straightforward genre exercise. The vibe is DIY and energetic, all raw sounds and sudden shifts, perfect for a crowd that appreciates a bit of disorder in their dance. Technically, this is a varied ride, with a BPM average of 151.1 but a range from 105 to 171, allowing for moments of halftime swagger and full-speed chaos.
The key center often rests in 12A, giving it a bright, accessible feel, with occasional modulations into 8A and 9A adding tension. The energy profile is balanced at 0.52 low and 0.34 mid, meaning the basslines are punchy and the rhythms intricate, while high-end elements like vocals and synth hits cut through with clarity. NAINA's mixing is dynamic and unpredictable, with cuts and blends that mirror the genre-hopping selection, keeping us guessing at every turn. The crate dig is a treasure trove: Prime Mover's 'Perfect Organism' offers a dose of atmospheric, breakbeat-driven techno, while E-Type's 'Russian Lullaby' is a cheeky, eurodance-inspired curveball.
NoLongerNull's 'R U N' provides a long, immersive journey into halftime dubstep, and DJ Caline's 'Everybody Hype' brings a raw, old-school garage vibe. Mønøcrme's 'You Not Alone' adds a touch of melodic, emotional weight, and Philip D Kick & Om Unit's 'Drips' explores deeper, dubwise territories. The journey from the breakbeat opener through the genre detours to the closing uk garage anthem of Yasmin's 'Light Up' is a masterclass in eclecticism, proving that NAINA knows how to craft a set that feels personal, playful, and packed with surprises.