TuneLab
Solomun
Tomorrowland Belgium 2018
Solomun at Tomorrowland 2018, opening with 'Manchester's Teens'—a track that sounds like it was found in a dusty vinyl crate and decided to take over a mainstage. We're here for the slow, cerebral burn, not the quick fixes. The stage is dark, moody, with minimal lighting, a stark contrast to the usual fireworks, drawing us into a more intimate, heady space. At 128 BPM, anchored in 12A, this melodic techno set is a masterclass in slow-burn tension. The energy is overwhelmingly low at 62%, with mids at 30% and highs at 8%, creating a deep, pulsating groove that's physically immersive.
Solomun's mixing is patient, often letting tracks play out for minutes, with transitions that are felt rather than heard. Harmonic shifts to 3B and 3A add a melancholic, minor-key depth, perfect for his signature emotive techno, and the BPM range from 125 to 171 shows dynamic control without losing the hypnotic core. Marascia's 'Nero Nero' is a hypnotic, percussion-driven gem that typifies the underground vibe. Christian Smith & Wehbba's 'Mutate' brings a tougher, techier edge, cutting through the haze. MK Beats' 'I Get Deep' is a classic deep house reference, while Electro Blues' 'Deborah'S Theme' adds a jazzy, bluesy flair.
And his own remix of Elekfantz's 'Diggin' On You' is a soulful, driving closer. The inclusion of LCD Soundsystem's 'You Wanted a Hit' for nearly 18 minutes is a bold, almost arrogant move that only he could pull off, turning a indie-dance epic into a techno mantra. Starts with the obscure 'Manchester's Teens', builds through the epic LCD Soundsystem journey, peaks with the rhythmic intensity of 'Mutate', and closes with his own remix of 'Diggin' On You', leaving us in a state of contemplative groove.