Like many avid clubbers, daytime parties are undeniably my jam.
The combination of sunshine, fresh air and good tunes always leaves me feeling energised. What's not to love? So, when the opportunity arose to review Brunch Elektronik's second instalment at 528 Ibiza, my answer was a resounding "yes!"
Having been mesmerised by Solomun's last-minute announced set at the Amphitheatre a few weeks ago, I was keen to experience the venue's Grand Park Stage (pictured below). Brunch Electronik would tick that box, as well as offering a line-up that was right up my alley.
In the world of electronic music, there are several artists that have left a lasting impression. Ben Böhmer is one of them.
His music is known for beautiful chord progressions and the way he intertwines melodies, creating a perfect blend of emotion and energy. As he was performing live (as opposed to DJing - a rarity on Ibiza), I knew this gig was going to be even more special.
Ben Böhmer live
Upon entering I was struck by the décor. Vines and leaves hung from a mesh ceiling, which created a canopy above the dancefloor. The overall vibe was one of serene escape - a cool, leafy sanctuary that was sufficiently shielded from the unforgiven sun, yet still very much open-air.
After scoring a backstage pass, I found my spot for the start of Ben Bohmer's performance at 19:30.
Ben kicked off with one of his classics, Beyond Beliefs - a real goosebump-inducer. The track instantly captivated the crowd, setting the tone for the rest of his set. Eager to investigate the set-up, I headed to the booth to discover Ben's array of musical hardware.
Unlike DJs who curate a set of pre-recorded tracks, live artists like Ben Böhmer take the music studio magic and transform it into a dynamic, real-time experience.
The ability to control elements of the track, improvise, interact with the audience and build a unique sonic tapestry on the fly, sets him and other live performers apart. As a musician myself, I can appreciate the skill and artistry involved in playing like this.
Enjoying the view from backstage it was clear that this was a special gig.
Ben bounced around the stage, triggering loops, and adjusting volume levels, EQs and other parameters. From back to front, bodies swayed, faces beamed and hands reached for the sky, as the music pulsed through the crowd.
Co-produced by Nils Hoffman, Breathing was a clear favourite, transforming the venue into a choir as hundreds of voices joined Malou's vocals in a mesmerising chorus. After a brief intermission between tunes, Ben was met with a well-deserved round of applause.
The good vibes continued, with Ben upping the tempo to 135 bpm as he dropped Best Life. It was a complete switch-up from the steady four-to-the-floor rhythm, introducing a breakbeat which kept everyone hyped.
Before finishing his set, Ben mixed in Strangers. A personal favourite of mine, hearing it live was glorious. The sub-bass shook me right to my core and its rich atmospheric textures, beautiful analogue synthlines and masterful sound design hit me right in the feels.
Wishing Ben Bohmer could have played longer, I felt deflated when 21:00 swung around. However, I wasn’t able to wallow in pity for long, as Innellea (himself an occasional live act) was about to dial it up.
In a clear departure from the previous hour and a half, the heat was about to be cranked!
A standout moment arrived when Innellea played FE3L by underground artist Notre Dame, introducing '80s-infused percussive elements with robotic vocals on top of a modern style House beat.
Another banger came in the form of Argy and Omnya's track Aria. Its haunting vocals echoed out across the venue, as hands outstretched in anticipation of the drop. When the kick and bass came in, the crowd were revved up in spectacular fashion.
Towards the end of his set Innellea unleashed a barrage of crowd-pleasers.
Eric Prydz's edit of Empire of The Sun - We Are Mirage was one that stuck with me. This track always captures the audience - a certified banger! It was shortly followed up with RÜFÜS DU SOL's euphoric anthem Innerbloom, which still sounds as fresh today as it did on its release.
Taking advantage of the complimentary shuttle bus back to San Antonio, I headed home in a state of awe.
A perfect blend of mellow melodic vibes and dance energy, Brunch Electronik delivered one of the best evenings I have had on the island. This is a testament to the outfit's ability to curate line-ups which tick all the boxes.
The vibes were immaculate, whilst the party also made the case for live performers being the future on an island deep in the throes of DJ obsession.
Rest assured, I will return for a third and final round (at least where 2024 is concerned) of Brunch Elektronik at 528 Ibiza on Friday 26 July. I suggest you do the same. Catch a stacked bill, including Folamour, Mr G (live), Jeremy Underground and Ceri.
Final tickets are on sale now and available below.
WORDS | by Luke Botting
