TuneLab
Paige Tomlinson
Mixmag Lab London x Fly San Miguel
There’s a certain, glorious shamelessness to a set that unironically plays both ‘No Limit’ and ‘Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom!!’ back-to-back. Paige Tomlinson in the Mixmag Lab isn’t here for subtlety; she’s here for pure, unadulterated fun, and frankly, we are too after the third drink. The energy is peak ‘90s throwback, a sweaty, smile-filled box where everyone knows every word. This is a high-octane ride through classic house and UK garage, with a BPM average of 142 pushing it into breakbeat and hard house territories.
The key of 12A dominates, providing a bright, major-key sheen to everything, while the energy is overwhelmingly low-driven at 67%, meaning the kick drum is an unstoppable force. Tomlinson’s mixing is sharp and energetic, using quick cuts and teasing acapellas to keep the momentum frantic. The track selection is a nostalgic goldmine: opening with Knuckleheadz’s ‘House Rocca’ is a statement of raw, percussive intent. Dropping both the original and extended versions of 2 Unlimited’s ‘No Limit’ is a comedic, yet effective, power move.
Deeper cuts like Dark Floyd’s ‘Seven Hour’ and Baron Von Trax’s ‘Come Back To Me’ offer moments of driving, melodic relief, while Allnighters & BK’s ‘Black Is Black’ remix brings a tough, UKG swing. It all starts with ‘House Rocca,’ reaches its euphoric, hands-in-the-air peak with the relentless pulse of ‘No Limit,’ and ends in glorious, communal silliness with the Vengaboys anthem, a perfect full stop.