Spectacular is the only word that can describe the location for the IMS Grand Finale, set high above Ibiza Town and reached most easily by entering through the Portal de Ses Taules (up the cobbled slope from Croissant Show), the venue could hardly be more enchanting and for Ibiza lovers and residents alike, it was really extraordinary to see electronic music being enjoyed here.
Things ran so smoothly that you'd think this happened every week and it was clear a lot of hours had been put in to create the stage and infrastructure to support the gig, although you could always do with a few more toilets at these things!!
Music this year was a very different affair than last year's Basement Jaxx live performance, with a mish-mash of acts offering a wider appeal albeit perhaps too wide for some of the purists. Skream, David E. Sugar and Tongy played in that order from the 6pm start first before Mark Ronson went through a medley of chart-friendly pop that even included Britney Spears' Toxic (no really!!).
By the time Sasha hit the decks about 10pm, the sun was down and the lasers came out as the man like blissed his way through some proper epic prog included a proper Sasha moment for King Unique's '2000000 Suns' (listen below):
Finally, Buraka Som Sistema exploded a fierce set of carnival beats and percussive rock to send everyone home with that usual surreal feeling when the music's over and everyone sleeps away quietly.
All in all, a total bargain for 22.50€ to experience that venue and all that holding an event like this, there, entails. Until IMS Grand Finale 2011!
