Maceo Plex is back and this time, he has brought the talents from his label for a night of pure music bliss. For the first time this season, Maceo Plex and his music family landed on the island to take command of the deluxe club in Ibiza Marina, Chinois Ibiza.
Every time Maceo visits, we feel it in the air. Just seeing his name on a poster is enough to make us drop all prior plans and head into the night.
Apart from the main man himself, the line-up saw the presence of newcomers Pole Position and heavyweight producer Raxon, a staple of the Ellum Audio label.
We entered the club as Pole Position were in the middle of their set. They did a good job warming up the crowd with a stylish and psychedelic sound. The club was lit up with many colourful visuals that fit the music perfectly.
After one hour of solid grooves, the moment arrived for Maceo to start his session. The change of pace, energy and craziness was instant. Initially, the sounds were a mixture of groovy Breakbeat and Hip-Hop lyrics that energised the dancefloor.
So nice to hear this alternative kind of sound at an Ibizan club, in contrast to House music alone.
As the night progressed, he started to work his magic and we noticed the pace gradually changing. After ten minutes of heavy broken beat, he transitioned to a super crunchy Techno tune. The change was effortless - organic - and it worked. Genius!
The track that marked the moment when everybody went bonkers was Like This from producer OZBEK.
Famous for his bass-driven and hypnotic productions, the Turkish producer delivers another dancefloor bomb with perhaps cheesy, but still catchy Charli XCX or Iggy Azalea-like lyric and a driving sound that shakes your body to its core.
From that moment, the night entered a more intense phase, creating an undeniable rave energy under the disco ball. People started jumping and screaming to show their appreciation. Somebody even hoisted his Lone Romantic t-shirt in the air to mark his respect.
After that, a crescendo of Techno tracks followed, driving everyone crazy for the next hour of the set. As the finale approached, the music took another turn, this time into a warmer, more melodic direction.
Raxon stepped in the booth and the two began an unannounced but thrilling back-to-back for the next twenty minutes. When Maceo said goodbye and departed, the music selection was left in the more than capable hands of the Egyptian and his Indie Dance selections.
What a pleasure was once again listen to this great performers in another memorable night of amazing electronic music on this rock in the middle of the Mediterranean. It's a night I will never forget. See you soon Maceo.
The Chinois Presents season continues with Sébastien Léger and Roy Rosenfeld tonight, followed by forthcoming appearances from Joris Voorn, Patrice Bäumel, Dennis Ferrer, Sam Divine, Butch, Mason Collective, Toman, Jan Blomqvist (live) and many more.
You can find full tickets and full listings below.
To find out where you can next catch Maceo Plex play this summer, please visit this page.
WORDS | by Stefano Lariccia
PHOTOGRAPHY | by Louis Nesbitt
