TuneLab
Rudimental
Mixmag Lab London | Ground Control launch party
Of course Rudimental would kick off the Ground Control launch party at Mixmag Lab London with a set that gleefully torches genre boundaries. We're here for the kind of eclectic dig where a garage classic sits next to a pop refix, and no one bats an eyelid because the bassline is just that good. The Lab's intimate, boxy space is perfect for this: no VIP sections, just a crowd united by the need to move and the frantic tapping of phone screens. Technically, this is a masterclass in soulful programming, averaging 140 BPM and firmly rooted in the warm, foundational key of 12A.
The energy profile is telling—a dominant 0.6 low-end focus creates a rolling, physical groove, while mid and high frequencies are used sparingly for accent, not assault. Transitions are often harmonic and smooth, with strategic modulations into 3B and 10B providing emotional swells without disrupting the flow. It's a journey built on feel, not force, where the swing of UK garage and the depth of house are the guiding principles. The crate digging is impeccable: the opening 'Kuar (Henrik Schwarz Remix)' sets a deep, atmospheric tone, while the seven-minute epic 'Gabriel (Live Garage Mix)' by Roy Davis Jr.
& Peven Everett is the undeniable centerpiece, a timeless injection of pure garage euphoria. Rudimental's own 'Rumour Mill' gets a deserved airing, showcasing their songcraft, and Andy Compton's 'That Acid Track' is a wonderfully squelchy, heads-down moment. SolyMar & Megamen's 'All I Need' adds a percussive flair, and closing with Disclosure's 'In My Arms' is a synth-pop hug to send us home. The journey is clear: from the cosmic intro of 'Kuar', through the spiritual peak of 'Gabriel', to the comforting finale of 'In My Arms'—a full tracklist that celebrates dance music's connective tissue.