Though it may already be mid-July, there are still some big parties only just starting their summer programme. On Tuesday 15 July, Eastenderz at Amnesia became the latest to do so. The masses were out in support for the occasion. We were in for a busy one.
The Terraza is one of the island's largest club spaces, yet it was straining to contain everybody present, with the outdoor area providing the overflow. On the night, a strong argument could be made for opening both rooms. Then again, better to hone the action in one place and have it popping off, then split the crowd.
Despite the throb of bodies, some tropes remained true: working your way to the front paid off instantly. Not only was there breathing-space there, but positioned directly in front of the CO2 cannon provided periodic cooling blasts. In those conditions, it was a god send.
Whether on the label or on the line-ups of the party spin-off, Eastenderz has always been a breeding ground for emerging talent. This year's Amnesia roster is no different, with clear investment in the future of the scene.
Though they are both now well on their way to superstardom, Max Dean and Alisha were both adopted early by East End Dubs and nurtured under the Eastenderz wing. The party has been instrumental in their artist development.
Indeed, we've caught them playing for the brand in London and Amsterdam. Despite their increased profiles and launching their own respective label projects, it was nice to see them both present at the opening party where they would play back-to-back.
Familiarity is one thing; trust is another. The rapport between Max and Alisha doesn't need much scrutiny. They know each other. They trust each other. This dynamic always throws up the more interesting selections.
Dumitrescu's Sitting In The Sun (Walking In The Rain) has been a secret weapon in various DJs' sets for a few months now, including a certain colleague of mine. For a while, there was a danger that an official release might never see the light of day.
As luck would have it, the Romanian producer secured a formal release in just enough time for it to be included in this review (unlike Max Dean's own Gotta Get Up, which we hope will be forthcoming in the near future). Sitting In The Sun is out now via Chaos/Polydor.
Everything was set-up for the main man.
With the dancefloor optimised, East End Dubs assumed his position in the booth. The night was just getting started. Furthermore, we'd just caught talk of a villa afters... At this point, we were in for the long haul. No ducking out, no half measures. We were all-in.
After losing three key residencies to its competition, Amnesia was put through the ringer this winter.
As a result, a few voices wrote the club off. They were premature to do so. There were no such concerns from these quarters. We always kept the faith. 2025 has been a fresh slate and Eastenderz is set to be a pivotal part of the club's renaissance.
The comeback is always greater than the set-back.
Tickets for the remaining ten dates are on sale now and available to buy below.
Head here for a list of Max Dean's solo dates or visit this page for Alisha's (does not include advertised back-to-back appearances).
