During its original three year run between 2017 and 2019, RESISTANCE was a reference point for big production and in-credible underground music the likes of which, arguably, have not been seen since.
Not only was it one of the few weekly parties to fill the world's largest club Privilege in its twilight years, but left a gaping Techno-sized hole from the island in the years since. It symbolise the desire of thousands of clubbers who gravitated towards that sound.
Surely this crowd did not just disappear overnight?
Needless to say, we are part of this distinctive group of misfits which crave an alternative and heavier sound. To cure our malnourished souls, we were compelled to check-out what is happening every Wednesday at San Rafael’s legendary club, from 23 July to 17 September.
It was time for one of the biggest events in the calendar: RESISTANCE opening party at its new home Amnesia.
RESISTANCE comes back like it's never been away
We arrived at 01:30 and it appeared eerily quiet around Amnesia. In a heartbeat, we entered and the secret of what happening was unveiled to us. Everybody was already inside. The place was packed. Yeah! The sight gave us great joy.
With resident DJ Massano playing to a full Terraza and his counterpart KOROLOVA in an equally packed Main Room, the club was at its optimal best. It gave a headache as to which room to choose. Directing ourselves to the Terraza, we were welcomed by an unusual sound.
Do It Again by The Chemical Brothers was rocking out. It was a strong start.
Lost in the middle of the dancefloor, the smoke cannons, the flickering lights, the barrage of music: it was all consuming, overwhelming our senses, Wednesday in Ibiza. Amid the confusion and constant kineticism, the speakers hurl our further reworks of famous tracks.
Denzel's Pump It Up from Denzel and Faithless classic Insomnia are the next for the treatment.
Above us, the production was imposing in true RESISTANCE style. Ultra's underground wing is famous for its gargantuan productions. Big lights, big stage and neo-futuristic dancers hanging from the ceiling dressed in cyberpunk attire with the famous silver visor.
Next door, Eli Brown was hammering away with his full-bodied sound in the Main Room. The line of bass of his harder tracks recall near Psytrance levels. This room is always more underground and Techno-focused than the more accessible Terraza.
Here's a tip: try to get as close as possible to the DJ console. There, you will find a wall of speakers waiting for you. If you like to rave, head there and bang your head against the wall of sounds alongside other raving lunatics.
Jump, be crazy and forgot about your phone - just like the old days.
From the sound of the music, you will understand exactly what we mean. Do you like to go fast and furious?
Back on the Terraza, it was time for Ukrainian Melodic Techno duo ARTBAT.
Now ascended to the big league, the production outfit gave a solid performance made of entertaining tunes, seasoned with Acid here and melodies there. The combination worked - the vibe was palpably electric. We had to check ourselves; it was a Wednesday night, right?
Once again, we moved back to the Main Room. Italian star duo Mathame were on for the closing set.
The set was littered with their own distinctive productions - lots of emotions and powerful melodic sound. Lots of dry ice, lots of dancing. Our shades were put back on, as we heard a familiar refrain.
"You and me, baby, ain't nothin' but mammals, so let's do it like they do on the Discovery Channel."
There was still time for them to drop Cirez D's ON/OFF anthem, before we scurried back to the Terraza for the close. There, Adam Beyer was in full swing going back-to-back with Mau P.
The lasers cut trough the air and an explosion of confetti marked the bass drop. The room remained packed. Nobody was planning on leaving.
We continued dancing, not really knowing when it would end. Adam and Max were still in control of the console, maintaining the House-ier stance they had set earlier but leaning more into the underground, the later we went into the night. The last half an hour had the taste of an afterparty.
Unfortunately, the music eventually finished and nothing was left but for us to exchange a last glance with our fellow clubbers and depart. We left satisfied and ready for another bite of this tasty electronic dish.
It's reassuring to see that the ambition, the hunger and the quality, are all still there.
RESISTANCE is a brand that carries a lot of weight from its last Ibiza tenure, in addition to its exploits in various territories. Despite the lengthily hiatus, many of those same fans will have remained loyal. However, it looks fresh enough to resonate in the minds of younger ravers too.
RESISTANCE's return proved that the spirit of genuine, authentic electronic music is not forgotten in this new era of Ibiza. We hope to see more of this. We're confident we're going to get it for the next nine weeks.
We hope to see you there, waving the Techno flag. Tickets and line-ups for the rest of the residency can be found below.
WORDS | by Stefano Lariccia
PHOTOGRAPHY | by Pablo Pereyra
