Family Joint Vol 1: A Minimal Marvel from the Dutch Underground
If you’re into electronic music that feels like a late-night secret whispered in your ear, Family Joint Vol 1 by Various is worth a spin. Released in 2014 under Thirtyonetwenty—a label that knows its way around moody beats and hypnotic grooves—this album dives deep into minimal, tech house, and deep house vibes. The Netherlands has always been a breeding ground for this kind of sound, and boy, does it deliver here.
Let’s talk tracks. First up, “Hank (Gabriele Baldi Remix).” This one sticks with me because it’s got this sneaky groove that builds so subtly you don’t even realize you’ve been hooked until it’s too late. It starts off all chill, like a lazy Sunday morning, but then BAM—it drops into this irresistible rhythm that makes you wanna nod your head like you're hiding something. Gabriele Baldi clearly had his coffee before remixing this track; there’s just no other explanation.
Then there’s “Simbiosis (David Labeij Remix),” which hits different. If “Hank” is the cool older sibling, “Simbiosis” is the mysterious cousin who shows up unannounced and steals the show. The bassline rumbles like distant thunder, while these eerie little synth stabs float around like ghosts at a rave. You can tell David Labeij wasn’t trying to reinvent the wheel here—he just gave it better tires. It’s dark, brooding, and kinda sexy, if I’m being honest.
The rest of the album keeps things fresh without overstaying its welcome. Tracks like “Nineteen Ninety Three” and “People High To” bring their own flavors to the table, but they never feel like they’re competing for attention. That’s what makes Family Joint Vol 1 work so well—it’s not about flashy moments or over-the-top drops. It’s more like hanging out with old friends who know exactly how to keep the party interesting without turning it into chaos.
Looking back on this album, it’s wild to think it came out almost a decade ago. Listening to it now feels like finding an old mixtape in the glove compartment of your first car. Sure, some parts might sound dated, but most of it still slaps harder than half the stuff flooding playlists today. And honestly? That says something about the timeless magic of good house music.
So yeah, if you’re digging through Spotify or Bandcamp looking for something smooth yet edgy, give Family Joint Vol 1 a shot. Just don’t blame me when you find yourself zoning out to “Hank” at 3 AM, wondering where the last two hours went.
