Aiming to replicate the famed genre-melding skip of Space's We Love micro-festival, Amnesia's Together aims to push a brash, high-octane mix of electronica. Employing large-scale production fizz and crowd-pleasing mechanics the party has enjoyed continued season success counting Skrillex, Nero and Chase & Status amongst past and present guests. Dipping between all and every strain of commercially leaning contemporary music - from altered jungle to the whirring Dutch style of Afrojack and his contemporaries. Together is a fun first party concept.
A polite notice informed the queuing lines that due to illness French electro combatant Boys Noize would be unable to perform, whilst this may have dampened the spirit of some attendees the impressive breadth of the line-up meant that the night was left un-dented. In the Main Room, rising talent Quintino delivered a varied mix of electro and progressive house. Having enjoyed a rapid climb to European fame - centered around the Netherlands 'Dutch' sound - the prodigy has garnered his own success after supporting tours with Afrojack, Tiesto and Laidback Luke. Seemingly taking influence from each the youngster mixed anthemic melodies with hard-style sounds and poppy chords, matching the insatiable energy expected from Together attendees.
In the Terrace, Major Lazer - comprising of American house star Diplo alongside live collaborators Jillionaire and Walshy Fire - pushed a uniquely energised brand of dancehall audio. Reggae sounds and jungle samples were hi-jacked beneath thick and fast powerhouse synth work as a horde of MCs insisted on eagerly orchestrating the bustling crowd. The ceiling high LED screens, props and towering inflatable letters created a garish scene reminiscent of a child's party - one where the performers constantly referenced sordid sex misogynist tact. African-inspired dubs, constant horns and mash-up style mixing pushed the crowd to its fervent peak - where 'Lazer' and his team welcomed a large troupe of girls onto the stage for an ogling - dancing - spectacle. The mic-play continued unchecked as the imposing figure of Nick van de Wall better known as scene giant Afrojack took to the Main Room. Again, the production on-show was impressive, fully utilising the semi-3D visuals screen and array of carbon dioxide cannons. Elevated-bpm bass lines accompanied by incessant strobing pre-cursed unexpected breaks into dainty, baby crib synth lines breaking up his 'dirty dutch' style. Unusually, at points the Dutchman broke into records with a certain militant techno growl producing a well-rounded set.
Eric Prydz - performing under his Pryda moniker - represented the highlight of the program. After playing at Radio 1's Cream at Privilege event this was the house giant's second and only other performance on the island this summer. The change in atmosphere was immediate as Prydz steered the room into dark electronic waters. Completely unlit and constantly attentive he struck a harsh contrast to the previous act deftly presenting his refined, large scale productions as morphing polygrams loomed in the background. The atmospheric tones and progressive chords embedded in the Swedes musical DNA were layered under mightily aggressive percussion bringing a dose of the underground to the table - it was disappointing to see the thinning crowd turn an uninterested eye.
Together brings a heady-dose of fun to the island: sweeping genre boundaries aside and presenting the cream of modern electro-house and bass-influenced artists in the manner of a laser-specked festival. Steve Aoki, Rudimental and Feed Me are all set to grace the party in the upcoming weeks.
