TuneLab
VICTOR CALDERONE & AVISION techno set in The Lab NYC
Victor Calderone & Avision's techno set in The Lab NYC is a lesson in muscular, linear propulsion—the kind of set where you look at your friend, nod once, and don't speak for an hour. The vibe is pure, unadorned tunnel vision: dark room, red lights, a collective focus on the sub-bass. This is driving, peak-time techno, locked into a tight 125-128 BPM range and dominated by the 12A and 3B keys, which provide a hypnotic, slightly melancholic undercurrent. The mix is expertly weighted, with over 51% of the energy in the low-end, creating a physical, chest-compressing foundation.
The mid-range (42%) is reserved for rhythmic elements and occasional melodic hooks, like those in Alex Dolby's 'Sintesi', while the high-end is used with surgical precision for tension and release. Transitions are long and layered, building a relentless, hypnotic atmosphere that's more about the journey than individual tracks. The crate digging here is impeccable: Jizaxx's 'Decathlon' is a monstrous, percussive opener that sets the tone immediately. Dbn Nyts' 'Shumaya' adds a layer of soulful, almost tribal vocals, a beautiful contrast to the machinery.
Chris Drifter's 'Flashback (Matt Time Remix)' is a timeless, trance-tinged weapon, and the closing with Pryda's 'Animal' is a genius, anthemic finale that feels both earned and surprising. The journey begins with the industrial thump of 'Decathlon', reaches a deep, hypnotic peak with DEADWALKMAN's 'Rhythm 11', and releases with the soaring, melodic climax of 'Animal'.