TuneLab
EELKE KLEIJN takes us on a journey in The Lab NYC
Eelke Kleijn ushers us into the subdued, cerebral space of The Lab NYC for a journey that's less about the drop and more about the slow, meticulous build. The atmosphere is one of focused appreciation, dim lighting allowing the intricate sound design to take center stage. This is progressive house and melodic techno of the highest order, with a patient 120 BPM average and a tonal center deeply rooted in the moody, introspective key of 3B. The energy is overwhelmingly low-end dominant at 0.60, creating a deep, pulsing bed over which intricate melodies and atmospheric layers are carefully unfurled. The mixing is a lesson in patience, with long, evolving blends that emphasize harmonic progression and subtle textural shifts.
The tracklist is a connoisseur's selection. 'Edu Imbernon - Indenait' is a perfect, ethereal opener. His own productions, 'The Calling' and 'Maschine 1.0', serve as rhythmic and melodic anchors, showcasing his signature depth. The double dose of 'D.General & Artwork Sounds - Say Yeah' (both original and Groovy Mix) is a clever display of variation on a hypnotic theme. 'Alba Ecstasy - Episode 37' is a 14-minute deep-dive into ambient-leaning techno, a brave and rewarding inclusion.
'Eli & Fur - Night Blooming Jasmine (Rodriguez Jr. Remix)' adds a touch of organic warmth. The journey begins with the spacious 'Indenait', weaves through the melodic peak of his own 'The Calling', and concludes with the serene, hopeful resolution of 'John Monkman - Magnolia'. This is a set for the heads, a reminder that the real journey happens in the spaces between the beats.