No other party that I have come across in my first summer on Ibiza has had quite the same anticipation as RESISTANCE at Privilege. Described as the "party of the season" by many fellow techno-heads, how could I possibly miss the first instalment of this summer defining rave?
Ultra Worldwide has taken its underground concept across the continents but holds a particular kind of love for Ibiza. Returning for a third-year residency, RESISTANCE is back for another year and another killer roster of DJs on the line-up.
The opening night alone summoned the likes of Sasha, John Digweed, Adam Beyer, Maceo Plex, Eats Everything and more. This was going to be mammoth.
Here is what went down last Tuesday at the island's biggest techno bash.
ICONIC IS THE WORD, PRIVILEGE IS THE VENUE
Following the twisting roads that lead up to this spectacular venue alongside fellow ravers is the only way to truly revel in the full Privilege experience. The scale of the hillside club never fails to impress.
Once inside we had access to the full venue that was waiting to be explored. From the Vista Club (Vista Club) which would host the more intimate side of the night to the grand Main Room where the production was without exaggeration mind-blowing.
Opting for a more minimal production approach succeeded in exploiting the warehouse vibes of the night. We danced under erratic laser beams as hues of red and green glowed from every corner of the room. Techno heaven.
A perk of the job was being able to watch the crowd back from behind the decks during Adam Beyer b2b Maceo Plex, an immense vision from a whole new perspective. I could feel the energy bouncing off the decks and straight into the crowd.
THE NOTORIOUS SOUNDS OF TECHNO
Entering to the sounds of Layo & Bushwacka! in the Terrace, we were provided with thumping techno beats, the kind that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. The night was off to a strong start.
As we hit 01:00 it was time for our first b2b over in the Main Room.
Individually, Sasha and John Digweed could be crowned legends of the scene with a backlog of pivotal influences on progressive house and techno over the years. However, their most valuable offering could be considered their famed collaborations.
Well and truly amongst the sea of ravers, I fell into the euphoric vortex at the hands of the two mixing masterminds before me. It was amazing.
Taking things down the darker side of techno, the pair kept us bopping to a steady tempo and let the variant synthesised toplines whisk us away. It felt like a fresh take on classic old-school underground without losing the roots of our beloved genre.
Get a feel for the set with Distorted from Yamil which featured in the mix.
Meanwhile over in the Terrace, things were heating up with Hot Since 82. If rapid techno beats topped with groove lashings is your soul remedy, then this was the dancefloor to be on.
Not a single being would be caught standing still. Everyone was letting themselves go and losing it to the music.
One of the top tunes of the British DJs set was 8 Track from Leftwing & Kody, turning the already vibrant atmosphere up yet another notch. Check it out.
At the peak of the party at 03:00, it was time for Adam Beyer and Maceo Plex to take over the Main Room for their b2b set.
On one side we had the diverse, genre-bending sounds of Maceo Plex and on the other, we had the hardcore techno champ Adam Beyer channelling a softer, more melodic style. Let the two forces collide.
This b2b for me unfolded into a highlight set of the 2019 season so far. Like many others in Privilege at that moment, I was captivated by the music and having an absolute blast on the dance floor.
Maceo Plex's mix of Ibiza classic Faithless' Insomnia in which he draws on the vocal verses rather than the iconic synth melody had the crowd immersed. Even more so the following beat drop sounded signature to 1990's Adam Beyer.
Check out for this track in Maceo Plex's sets over the summer. It is a fiercely fresh take on the classic dance anthem.
Jumping into the terrace for a moment, I went to check out Eats Everything b2b Charlotte De Witte. Their set was a juxtaposition of Charlotte's dark industrial techno and the cocktail of genre influences from the high impact Eats Everything. It was going off.
As their set drew to a close the place to be in the final moments was the Main Room with Adam Beyer and Maceo Plex.
Playing us out to The Sound of Violence, a much-loved track on the island from Cassius, we paid our respects to Philippe Zdar the only way we know how on Ibiza - united in a rave.
Next week the Tuesday night party only gets bigger and better. The messiah of electronic music himself Carl Cox plays his special birthday set on Tuesday 30 July so join the masses and help him to celebrate in true Ibizan style.
If you fancy dancing at one of the biggest techno parties around, head below for more information on line-ups, dates and tickets.
