TuneLab
Tale Of Us
Tomorrowland 2023
In an era where 'melodic techno' can mean anything from a pop vocal to a symphonic breakdown, Tale Of Us still understands the power of the slow, sinister, and sublime. Their 2023 Tomorrowland appearance is less a DJ set and more a cinematic soundscape, a welcome dose of shadow and light amidst the festival's rainbow brightness. The vibe is immersive and architectural, with visuals of crumbling statues and digital forests pulling you into a darker, more thoughtful headspace.
Operating at a deliberate, groovy 127 BPM average, the mixing is patient and atmospheric, favoring long blends that let tracks like 'Massano - Cybernova' unfold over eight minutes. The key of 12A again provides a melancholic backbone, with excursions into 6A and 5A adding melodic colour. The energy is masterfully restrained, with lows (0.52) and mids (0.44) doing all the emotional heavy lifting.
The track selection is a who's who of the Afterlife sound: 'Kevin de Vries & Mau P - Metro' is a rolling monster, 'Anyma & Rebūke - Syren' is a haunting aquatic anthem, and the 'Anyma Extended Remix' of Lana Del Rey's 'Say Yes To Heaven' is the kind of transcendent crossover that defines the genre. They begin with the Eastern-tinged mystery of 'DJL - El Hawa Soltan', build to the emotional crescendo of the Lana remix, and close with the gritty, progressive drive of 'MRAK/David Lindmer - Their Law'.