TuneLab
NICK MONACO and ARDALAN in The Lab LA
NICK MONACO and ARDALAN in The Lab LA prove that house music can be both playful and profound, a set that dodges tech-house clichés for something more idiosyncratic. The vibe is quirky and infectious, with a DIY energy that turns the lab into a party. Averaging 125 BPM and heavily leaning on 12A, this set is driven by mid-range energy (avg mid 0.57), focusing on rhythmic complexity and melodic hooks over brute force.
The mixing is sharp, with quick cuts and playful overlaps. Notable tracks from their extensive digging include the psychedelic opener 'Elisir' by Gigi D'Agostino, setting a retro-Italian disco tone; Cammel's 'Beautiful Stars' for its shimmering, deep house glow; Lulu & Alice's 'Choose Us' for a dose of vocal-driven funk; Erre's 'Always the Same Eyes' remix for its driving percussion; and the closing 'Polyphobia' remix for its leftfield techno twist. They open with D'Agostino's oddball classic, build through the soulful moments of 'Beautiful Stars', and close with the experimental rhythms of the Mano Meter remix, showcasing a journey from whimsical nostalgia to forward-thinking groove.