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Review: La Familia at Ushuaïa, 9th September

A royal flushing of beats by Joris Voorn and Nic Fanciulli.

September always brings some fresh air to the isle. It's a month when the temperatures go down, some artists start to say goodbye and the number of cars is considerably less; all good news for residents who can enjoy the last quiet weeks until the closing parties come and we fill our calendars with red circles. But between all those things, Nic Fanciulli and Joris Voorn, evidently big fans of The Godfather, have taken this quote very seriously: “A man who doesn't spend time with his family cannot be a real man.” To prove it, as they already did in June, the pair is bringing back our Wednesday techno nights to Ushuaïa for four final dates of the season. Thank god!

But let's start from the beginning because when I got there their partner in crime, Martin Buttrich, was starting his expected set as a good guest. Fresh and futuristic kind of techno was coming out of the speakers and one of my favourites, Underground Sound Suicide by Loco Dice, set the crowd— mostly Spanish and Italian—wild as everyone moved their bodies as if the world was going to end. Of course, as family does, Fanciulli and Voorn looked after him behind the booth, dancing and chanting the insane tracks he was providing between ‘high fives' and laughs and Instagram pictures. Unfortunately for me, who had seen him play before, I feel that in comparison I didn't catch him at his best this time. The set ended too soon, leaving us thinking 1) Why? 2) We need more techno.

But then the godfathers (well, if this was the real movie Fanciulli will be Michael Corleone without any needed discussion) took over the decks. Their back-to-backs never disappoint me, Nic lends the hedonistic rhythms and Joris his melodic groove (check this musical gem) and together they create a unique sound which is worthy of filling an entire venue time after time. The set started quietly but after the first hour and ‘til the end, it was as if a bomb had detonated. Techno beats with Worakls's Adagio For Square, house treats with Matteo Marini's True and nostalgic moments with Cristoph's Slowly Burning bringing through Jem Cooke's beautiful voice. Confetti, megratron and fire weren't enough for them to support the stage production, no, they added amazing visual screens that kept all of us hypnotised. Well, that, and the pretty ballerinas who drew inspiration from the '50s and even made Joris smile when they appeared on stage.

But, as good poker players, they didn't show all their cards until the end when the duo delighted all of us with a closing set which can only be described with three words: rhythmic, deep and inspiring. Full house for them!

As you can read, September brings good things to Ibiza. Hosted by Ushuaïa, who had to say goodbye to the EDM royalty Axwell and Ingrosso, La Familia regenerated the luxury venue's music concept with its support of a night for all the tech-house lovers.


WORDS | Natalia Gutiérrez PHOTOGRAPHY | Ushuaïa

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