TuneLab
JOEY BELTRAM in The Lab NYC
Joey Beltram in The Lab NYC—just the name evokes images of warehouse raves and techno history, and this set is a reminder that the originators still know how to move a crowd with pure, unadulterated groove. The vibe is no-nonsense, industrial, and focused, like a master class in rhythm delivered under fluorescent lights. This is straight-up, functional techno, with BPMs ranging from 125 to 167 and an average of 126.1, heavily utilizing the 12A key for driving force, with shifts to 5A and 8B for texture.
The energy is remarkably balanced for techno (53% low, 40% mid), creating a punchy, percussive sound that's both physical and detailed. Beltram's mixing is efficient and powerful, often using tracks as rhythmic tools rather than melodic statements. For the tracklist obsessed, the opener 'Raxon - Forbidden Quest' is a dark, hypnotic builder that immediately commands attention.
'Jonatas C - Jack' is a loopy, peak-time weapon, and hearing his own 'Energy Flash' is a historic moment, the iconic stab still resonating decades later. 'Paperclip People - Throw (Slam's RTM Remix)' makes another appearance, this time in a tougher, more relentless context. The set starts with the ominous quest of 'Forbidden Quest', builds to a fierce peak with the driving 'Cosmic Boys - Andromede', and closes on the raw, acidic frenzy of 'Supadelics - Freak Out (Original Club Mix)', a fittingly wild end to a lesson in techno fundamentals.