WILL CLARKE in The Lab NYC
Will Clarke in The Lab NYC is the audio equivalent of a perfectly engineered rollercoaster—all steep climbs and satisfying drops, designed for a crowd that communicates primarily through fist pumps and raised eyebrows. The room is tight, the lighting is stark, and the energy is locked into a relentless 125 BPM groove. Technically, this is a masterclass in consistency, with a staggering 17 of the 25 tracks sitting in the 12A key, creating a hypnotic, harmonically cohesive journey.
The energy profile is overwhelmingly mid-range focused (0.62 avg), which translates to punchy, in-your-face percussion and synth stabs, while the low-end provides a solid, unshakable foundation. Clarke's mixing is efficient and direct, using quick cuts and tight blends to maintain a high-octane pace without sacrificing groove. The crate digging here is all about updated club weapons: 'Basement Jaxx - Good Luck' gets the Butch remix treatment, turning it into a tech-house juggernaut.
'Fiorious - I'm Not Defeated' in its Catz 'n Dogz Extended Pride Mix is a soaring, vocal-driven anthem. 'Jack Back - Survivor' and 'Blackwood - Ride On the Rhythm (Alex Natale Remix)' are peak-time tools of the highest order, and 'Tone-Lōc - Wild Thing' is a ten-minute, loop-based odyssey of pure funk. The journey begins with the familiar vocal of 'Good Luck,' builds to a climax of driving, filtered leads, and winds down with the cosmic, acidic flutter of 'Sneaky Tim - Planet Wall'—a closing track that leaves you buzzing.