TuneLab
Sammy Virji DJs the finest garage & 2 step heaters on Keep Hush Live
Sammy Virji on Keep Hush Live, promising 'the finest garage & 2 step heaters'—a claim that, for once, isn't hyperbole, but a statement of fact for us garage degenerates. The vibe is a basement party where the bass is too loud and the smiles are too wide, all skippy rhythms and soulful samples. Virji locks into a brisk 135 BPM groove, with key 12A dominating, giving the set a cohesive, harmonic flow despite the genre-hopping. Energy is more evenly distributed here, with punchy mids and crisp highs that highlight the swing and shuffle of UK garage, making it impossible not to move.
Mixing is quick and playful, with tight cuts and loops that respect the genre's breakbeat roots while keeping the energy high and the crowd engaged. This is a masterclass in modern garage, balancing classic anthems with fresh productions that sound like they were dug from a 2002 vinyl crate. Standout tracks include Virji's own 'Shapes (Oh Will)', a bouncing, vocal-driven opener, and New Order's 'Blue Monday '88', a timeless track recontextualized with garage swing. Joe Goddard's 'Gabriel' in the Compound One remix is a deep, soulful weapon, while DJ Pied Piper's 'Do You Really Like It?' is a noughties garage anthem that still destroys floors.
The mashup involving Nicky Romero's 'Toulouse' is a cheeky, big-room detour, and Tom Haw's 'Rave Theory' brings a raw, old-school breakbeat energy. From the opening bounce of 'Shapes', the set rides a wave of garage euphoria, peaking with the anthemic 'Do You Really Like It?', before cooling down with Lorhen's smooth, melodic 'Smile'.