Hey, dub techno fans! Ready to embark on a long, immersive trip that’ll keep you hooked from start to finish? Utrecht-based electronic music artist Dave Mech dropped “Volgen” on March 31, 2025, as part of his recent self-released work, and this dub techno gem is a masterclass in minimalism with maximum effect. Recorded live in one take using a hardware tracker, this track is a deep, evolving soundscape that’s perfect for losing yourself in—let’s dive into why “Volgen” is about to be your new go-to for a sonic journey!
The Sound and the Trip
“Volgen” is Dave Mech at his most immersive, crafting a deep dub techno track that takes you on a long, evolving trip through a rich stereo spectrum. The song opens with a hypnotic, minimalistic groove—think a steady 4/4 beat around 110-125 BPM, typical of dub techno’s slower tempo as noted in historical context, where the genre blends techno’s repetitive structures with dub’s echo-laden techniques. Subtle, delayed basslines and atmospheric pads create a spacious, almost meditative vibe, reflecting dub techno’s roots in 1960s-70s Jamaican dub and 1980s Detroit techno, pioneered by artists like Basic Channel, who introduced the style with their Maurizio project in the early ‘90s. The track’s minimalism is its strength, with sparse chord progressions and slowly developing phrases that build over time, keeping you engaged without overwhelming.
What sets “Volgen” apart is its evolution—surprising stutters and glitchy effects pepper the soundscape, adding unexpected twists that keep the listener on their toes, a technique Dave often uses in his live performances to create dynamic, improvised journeys. The stereo spectrum is wide and immersive, with sounds panning across the field, giving a sense of movement and depth that’s perfect for headphones or a high-quality club system, much like the “haunting, half-remembered sonic landscape” described by Josh Baines in THUMP about Chain Reaction’s dub techno releases. Recorded in one take using a hardware tracker, as seen in the live recording on YouTube (https://youtu.be/ibPmKEf55Cc?si=7n7uh15q3AIBmGUQ&t=1246), the track captures the raw energy of Dave’s performance, a method he’s known for, as highlighted on his website where he notes his tendency to record live to preserve the spontaneity of the moment.
Dave Mech, based in Utrecht, Netherlands, has been a sonic explorer since picking up the flamenco guitar at age seven, later diving into bass, drums, and electronic production. His early influences include IDM artists like Autechre and B12, which shaped his love for intricate sound design, as well as a pivotal moment at a Shockers party where a Thomas Krome set inspired him to create techno. Performing at prestigious venues like Vredenburg, Paradiso, and Club Basis in Utrecht, and across Europe in clubs like NADA Temple in Lisbon, Dave’s live setup—featuring samplers, synthesizers, and a Xone DB4 mixer—allows him to blend deep atmospheres with uptempo techno, as seen in his 2021 Amsterdam Dance Event set. With releases on labels like Nothing But and Tribal Pulse, he’s now focusing on self-releases to maintain creative control, a move that aligns with his mission to create meaningful sonic experiences that connect people, a passion he also channels through his YouTube channel, where he shares tutorials and resources for fellow musicians.
Dub techno is thriving in 2025, continuing its legacy as a genre that prioritizes atmosphere over rhythm, as noted in historical context where it’s compared to ambient music for its slow, immersive qualities. “Volgen” fits right into this wave, with its deep, evolving soundscapes making it a perfect fit for playlists like Spotify’s Dub Techno Essentials or Beatport’s dub techno charts, where similar tracks have been gaining traction, as seen with artists like Heavenchord on labels like Cold Tear Records. The track’s minimalistic approach and surprising stutters also echo the experimental spirit of Chain Reaction’s releases, which expanded dub techno into new territories in the ‘90s. Check it out below—the artwork’s got this dark, atmospheric vibe that perfectly matches the song’s energy.
Take the Trip and Share Your Sound
“Volgen” by Dave Mech is a deep dub techno banger that’s all about immersive, evolving soundscapes—a long, minimalistic trip with surprising stutters that keeps you engaged, recorded live for maximum effect. If this track’s got you hyped to drop your own beats, DistroKid’s the way to go. Get your music out there, and with this link—https://distrokid.com/vip/seven/2058328—you’ll snag 7% off your membership. It’s a dope deal to join the dub techno wave. So, what’s “Volgen” doing for you? Drop a comment—I’m stoked to hear if it’s got you tripping as much as it’s got me!
