Pacha - known for its over the top theatrics and explosive production- strips things back on Friday nights for Insane, a night focused on the music. For four special nights this summer Guy Gerber takes over Insane with his very own party Wisdom Of The Glove. We're glad to see the return of Gerber and Wisdom to Pacha; it's a night with huge potential that can be better realised on a more concentrated schedule, compare to last year's weekly residency. A creative night musically, Gerber along with special guests gives crowds a smooth tech-house filled night with a hint of totally bizarre and mysterious surprises.
Walking in I noticed the usual Pacha red carpet sign had been replaced with a massive red wall covered with Wisdom of The Glove. The crowd was a bit more mature than I had previously seen, men wore slacks and button ups and ladies were in heels (thank god I still remember how to walk in these.) The light that usually fills the entrance from the craziness in the main room was toned down tonight and the sound that was spilling out was smooth. Arriving just in time to catch the end of DJ Tennis's set, I was happy to see that the dance floor was packed. The crowd knew what they liked and moved with the tech-house sounds he was pushing out. To capture the theme of the night a huge blue Hamsa (palm with an eye at the centre) covered in glitter hung from the ceiling reflecting light that hit it. Minimal, yet completely bizarre decor filled the rest of the room- spinning wheels, massive cat heads and ivy covered in lights spiraling around the VIP section.
Quarter to four, the much anticipated Guy Gerber took over the decks. Opening with a funky remix of I Am Somebody by Technasia (is this becoming the summer 2014 anthem??) the crowd swayed to grooving sound. Dancers on stilts took the floor dressed in sheer ball gowns and ornate feather boas and headpieces juxtaposed Pacha's minimal attempts for the night. A personal favourite was his mix of Dancing Feels Like by Pirahnahead ft. Goddessstephanie - the woman's vocals were deep and gave the dance floor a sexual vibe.
Taking a break I headed up to the Funky Room where island residents Pippi and Willie Graff pushed out sounds nothing short of that. Rushing right to the front, the crowd cheered as Hot Stuff (Frankie Knucles remix) by Donna Summer which of course had me singing along as well. As if I couldn't sing any louder, I Wanna Be Your Lover (Dimitri From Pairs Re-Edit) by Prince followed and sent me into a disco heaven. The crowd intimate and friendly gives you that house party vibe making it almost hard to leave.
Nearly 6am the main room was still packed and Guy Gerber was coming to a close. The stage was now filled with the feathered dancers and men in suspenders that looked like a burlesque feature at chippendales. The mood shifted as Martin Buttrich took over the decks and pleasantly suprised me as techno began to fill up the room. An island favourite Carthago by Loco Dice - who is greatly missed here this season- set the crowd wild as almost everyone raised both hands in the air. The night wrapped at 7 as well dressed party goers filled the streets blending in seamlessly with business professionals starting their day.
WORDS | Sara McNutt PHOTOGRAPHY | James Chapman
