30
Issue 77 / 2015
HOUSE/tEcHnO
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For a week towards the end of June, Barcelona becomes the centre of the universe as a whole host of Sónar parties take over the
city. We decided that we should experience it for ourselves
OFF Sónar 2015
We eased into Barcelona and the coming week of mad-
ness with a relatively tame first night; a few hours in
Macarena. The club, on a residential street a stone's
throw from Las Ramblas, is perhaps the smallest club
we've ever been in, it's literally one room with the bar
behind the decks. Size isn't everything though because
it has one monster soundsystem. It may have been the
size of my front room but the music was on point, and
we learned a key lesson for the rest of the week – never
underestimate the power of a good system.
French techno label Form Music's showcase on the Tues-
day night was our first proper OFF Week stop although
it felt like the madness had yet to kick into gear. Held
in Bloc, another one-room situation with another good
soundsystem, there was enough of a crowd for it to feel
lively but nowhere near the levels of later in the week.
Julian Jeweil was on duty as we arrived, deftly working
the crowd with his techno show but the vibe fell a little
flat when Popof took to the decks. He should have been
the main attraction, but he couldn't quite match the ten-
sion and release of his predecessor. We called it a day at
4am, the earliest night we would see until we left Spanish
shores.
Things really got going on Wednesday; there were a lot
more people in the city and a lot more parties on offer.
We hit the FACT Music Pool Series for the start of their
five-day programme. As we arrived well after dark the
pool was unfortunately closed for business, but it was
still obviously an impressive venue, and anything open air
always gets a thumbs up. Sound can be a bit tricky with
something open air, but props to the FACT crew because
it fantastic. Ellum Audio was in charge of the opening
party and they did not disappoint. Danny Daze brought