It is game on here on Ibiza. In many respects the season has already started. Between Easter and the official openings every year, the number of proper bashes continues to increase. The one-off Loco Dice at Pacha last night was one of them.
As the only club that stays open all year, Pacha hosts winter parties and showcases labels. Often, though, it also has special treats. To name a few, Solomun on New Year's in 2016, Seth Troxler last week and Loco Dice last night rocked the cherry world.
The setting
The club was buzzing. Outside a notable queue made clear that the night was a special one. Inside the club palm trees and abstract geometrical shapes hanging from the ceiling framed the buzzing dancefloor. For a dose of eye candy, the dancers in funky white shirts (and not much else) were shaking it above the crowd.
Multicoloured laser beams pierced the misty air of one of the most iconic nightclubs on Ibiza. With part of the dancefloor raised higher, the crowd got up and close to the DJs.
The VIP area was also bustling. To top it off, many parts of the club often reserved for tables during the summer were open to the crowd, one of the sweetest deals of early season partying.
While the upstairs terrace was still closed, the garden downstairs also usually only for the VIP was open to everyone.
The crowd
Early season parties have a special feel to them, and those who know are easily hooked. With the winter safely left behind and an entire season ahead, the energy level is off the charts. Last night, the island came out to play.
Residents were definitely there, but tourists actually already made up the larger part of the crowd. Everyone was switched on. Not only Loco Dice but also the rest of the DJs got plenty of love.
The music
The Miami-based Debby Coda warmed up the building crowd with her underground house. Next up was Pacha resident Angel Linde. With almost two decades of experience in the cherry world, he has shared the booth with some of the biggest acts in the industry and knows exactly how to get the crowd going. Dishing out quality minimal house, that's just what he did.
By the time Loco Dice took over around 4:00, the dancefloor was pumped up. He came on strong. Bassline-driven with sprinkles of melody, plenty of build-ups and even some psychedelic streaks towards the end, his set went the whole way.
We got a proper pounding of quality techno as he alternated between captivating segments and techno bashings. Nothing quite matches the first parties of the season.
You missed it? All good. Pacha is putting on a bunch more until the official openings, such as the preview of Hot Since 82's brand new residency Labyrinth on 6 May, Sasha's label showcase Last night on Earth (LNOE) on 13 May and many others. See the calendar below for details.
To experience the summer in mid-spring, simply get yourself over to the island for a so-called pre-season party.
