San Antonio is really getting stuck in this season. Several nightclubs have stood with pride in their spot since the beginning, shape-shifting from name to name, genre to genre, era to era. Eden is the result of a string of morphing over the years. From Star Club to the 90s hot-spot Kaos, Eden has been going strong since 1999 and now owns one of the most lavish interiors.
This 2017 is already showing off a number of changes to the island. Last night was the opening for one of London's most respected record label parties, Defected In the House. The label has already taken over Pacha and Amnesia in past years. This year it has planted its roots on San Antonio land. Defected earned its world-famous status by reminding us all of the importance of house music. Where better to blast out only the best of house than Eden?
Crowds of workers and tourists had already plastered the surrounding area of Eden as I arrived. The silhouettes of buzzing house-lovers danced across the luminous Eden logo. As more minutes passed, more people danced their way into Sunday night. Jacky and Sam Divine salsa danced in the booth of the Main Room (Room 1), playing back to back as thin layers of neon blue light fell on the heads of ravers. Jacky filled the space with the smooth grooves of Mr.G's ´Space-Bassed´ as Sam Divine dropped all-round banger ´Gypsy Woman´ (She's Homeless) by Crystal Waters.
Snap-backs had quickly found a new purpose in the Next room (Room 2), fanning the faces of those dancing freely. As island-favourite Andy Baxter showed off the return of UK funk with ´Guim's The Way´, Ibiza DJ's 2015 DJ Award winner Manu Gonzalez entertained the dancefloor with Ekkohaus's Odds, as Divine continued to play classics such as Hardrive's Deep Inside.
Of course, it was only right to check out MK back in the Main Room, as he did what he does best and played only the hottest crowd favourites and underground electronic tunes. His extended mix of ´My Love 4 U´ raised the hands of every punter in the club. Smiles were contagious and MK beamed in pride.
The night felt like a family gathering. Streams of workers all excitedly bumped into each other from different seasons and snippets of conversations that had workers eagerly persuading glittered-up tourists to stay until September stuck into my ears. Though the community vibe is one I'm used to in San An, it was accompanied by the music that introduced me to the electronic scene as a teenager, bringing back memories that warmed my insides.
Defected have got a whole season to show us what they've got. Judging by last night's performance, we have a great deal to look forward to.
WORDS l Ruby Munslow
