Above & Beyond at Mansion Miami: Five tracks you need to know

Above & Beyond at Mansion Miami: Five tracks you need to know

With a name as prominent as Above & Beyond, it seems as though a handful of dance music industry players, at one point of the night or another, found themselves at Mansion Nightclub Tuesday night to partake in the trio’s first performance of this year’s Miami Music Week. Housed in the heart of South Beach on Washington Avenue, it could be argued that Mansion’s firm grasp on production – from its three-dimensional cube suspending lithe performers above the crowd to its triangular LEDs that form a semicircle around the venue – affords it the opportunity to maintain its status as one of Miami’s most powerful establishments.

Helping to commence the week-long series of parties that take place each March, the celebrated act’s mere presence attracted the likes of MK, Gareth Emery, Bossi of Cosmic Gate and Manufactured Superstars – each of whom made supportive appearances during their downtime. It goes without saying that the legendary UK group arrived fully equipped with a number of dance floor weapons, putting on a laudable show for their night owl fans.For those who weren’t there and those who just want to relive the memories, we present the five tracks you need to know from Above & Beyond’s set at Mansion:

Photo Credit: Doug Van Sant

ilan Bluestone & Jerome Isma-Ae - Under My Skin (Above & Beyond 80′s Revival Rework)

A staple in many of their sets, the trio are avid supporters of ilan Bluestone and his Anjunabeats-signed track with Jerome Isma-Ae, “Under My Skin.” Having reworked the track themselves, this potent tune is essential in offsetting their more emotional track picks like “A Thing Called Love,” “Sun & Moon” or “Alchemy.”

Photo Credit: Doug Van Sant

Tiësto - Flight 643 (John Christian Remix)

A product of Tiësto‘s own Musical Freedom, John Christian’s revamped version of “Flight 643” often makes its way into Above & Beyond’s sets. In upping the ante with stabbing synths and a refreshing dose of intensity distinct from the original, attentive listeners can easily pick up on the 12-year evolution “Flight 643” has undergone. Above & Beyond’s recycling of this track from one show to the next grants them the unprecedented drive and versatility for which they are esteemed.

Photo Credit: Doug Van Sant

Mat Zo ft. Chuck D - Pyramid Scheme (Club Mix)

With a string of releases on Anjunabeats, it’s no surprise that Mat Zo receives as much praise from his elders as he does. Having finally released his debut album, Damage Control, on the label in late 2013, Above & Beyond (accurately) predicted Zo’s promise for success several years ago. The trio’s continued use of “Pyramid Scheme” serves as evidence of how far the 23-year-old has come in a matter of such little time.

Photo Credit: Doug Van Sant

Andrew Bayer - Need Your Love (Club Mix)

Extracting from the best of both big room and trance, Andrew Bayer’s “Need Your Love” has appeared on Group Therapy several times in 2013. A loyal member of Anjunabeats and Anjunadeep, Bayer is seldom excluded from Above & Beyond’s sets. Like “Under My Skin,” Bayer’s “Need Your Love” weaves in more progressive components to maintain consistent swells of energy among fans.

Photo Credit: Doug Van Sant

Above & Beyond ft. Alex Vargas - Sticky Fingers

Premiered at ABGT 050 at Alexandra Palace, “Sticky Fingers” may be one of the lesser-known of Above & Beyond’s tracks, but it bears a powerful message nonetheless. “It’s been years since we last spent a night together but the thought of you still haunts me,” Paavo live typed during the song, adding a visual dimension to the aural performance. Though Richard Bedford is typically their go-to male vocalist, for this tune Alex Vargas’ impassioned singing, decorated with gentle piano keys and dominating electro and progressive blows, reflected Above & Beyond’s propensity for expressive music – both electronic and acoustic.

Photo Credit: Doug Van Sant