Several weeks ago, we headed over to Playa d'en Bossa for the first of the elrow Outdoors 2022 takeovers at party hotel Ushuaia. What had we let ourselves in for?
Transformed into a mystical land of vibrancy, colour, theatrics and total carnage for abstract theme Kaos Garden, it was arguably the most incredible elrow spectacle the Ibiza Spotlight team has ever experienced. So what made it such a riot?
Ahead of next week's second edition with Wade, Cloonee, Chelina Manuhutu and Tini Gessler, we reflect on the barrage of the senses, on one of the hottest days of summer...
Production specialists
Take your current perception of elrow and scale things up by ten. The outdoor version is equally colourful and in your face, but has a different set of selling points.
For starters, you're outside and able to appreciate Ibiza's glorious weather. The sun was indeed in full force. Being able to wade into the shallow pool whilst sipping on a drink provided the perfect counter balance.
From start to finish, you could see just how much time and effort goes into producing these parties. Plus, everybody in attendance was well up for it. Impeccable vibes, 10/10 spectacle and of course the finest Tech House beats from the biggest DJs on the circuit.
From the character costumes to the main stage decor, the production team didn't do anything by halves. Quite literally a sensory overload. Before you knew it, you were immersed in a utopian dancefloor like no other.
Like Santa's little helpers, following every meticulously-synced confetti eruption, they scurried to their bases to refill the canons ready for the next. Amid the scenes of euphoria in the crowd, behind the fourth wall it was like a military-precision operation.
La musica
Opening the powerhouse collaboration of elrow and Ushuaïa, was a line-up of astronomical proportions. From Joris Voorn to Hot Since 82, not to mention the fine elrow residents, this alone would be enough to draw the crowds. The added allure of elrow just amplified this.
Avid elrowitos scurried to the main stage as soon as doors opened to catch Viviana Casanova and later a fired-up LP Giobbi open proceedings. These leading ladies laid the groundworks for Dutch DJ and producer Voorn to take things to a higher level.
His selection of high-energy bangers felt custom-made for the 360 degree theatrics of elrow. His set list included tracks such as Roxy's Sweat by Franky Rizardo, I Want You (Alan Fitzpatrick remix) by Trus'me and Voorn's own remix of Dua Lipa's Break My Heart.
Undisputed moment of the day fell to his epic version of Alex Kennon's Blinding Lights, layered with vocal of Shakedown's At Night and coinciding with the biggest confetti tornado we've ever been swept up in.
If you didn't attend this one, you might be feeling like you missed out (you did). Don't feel too glum though, as elrow Outdoors has two more offerings in the can for you.
Next week (17 August) is the Feria de Abril-inspired production El Rowcio, before extraterrestrial misfits Rows Attacks! land on 7 September. We can safely say that these dates will go down as amongst the craziest and most talked about of summer 2022.
Party brands just don't come bigger. elrow's popularity continues to soar. If you missed out on tickets to party on Saturday night, then we strongly recommend you take a look at this amazing alternative option.
Tickets for the next two shows can be found below, where you can also check the DJ line-ups.
