It’s Thursday night in Ibiza and for those that appreciate great electronic music there really is only one place to go, Cream in Amnesia. Cream launched in Liverpool in 1992 in a 400 capacity venue, twenty years on in a small Balearic island it remains the standard bearer for quality dance music, using its reputation amongst the world’s electronic elite and its knowledge of how to throw a party to assemble the finest line up on a weekly basis and deliver memories that will live with clubbers the world over for as long as their memory holds up.
It’s no coincidence that over a decade has passed and the brand remains at the forefront of the scene, the dedication of those behind it to remain relevant but most of all to provide a unique experience for its army of loyal fans is what sets it apart from most of its peers. Tonight, the heavyweight line up includes Adam Sheridan, Eddie Halliwell, Paul van Dyk and Laidback Luke, to name only a few. Example is due to make an appearance but on entering Amnesia we see that he has been unable to travel, apology notices are spread throughout the club and Eric Prydz has been drafted in a the last minute to cover, another example of the pull of Cream. The attention to detail from the world famous brand is impressive and although they are a man down, there is enough talent on show that the huge crowd inside Amnesia doesn’t seem too upset.
We are massive fans of Amnesia here at Essential HQ, they are one of the best venues on the island to deal with, the staff are friendly and helpful and, most of all, understand that they work in the entertainment industry and that people are out to have a good night, even the security are polite but firm when they need to be. With the professional attitude at the front desk, we are inside the club in no time and keen to get involved. Amnesia offers two unique clubbing experiences under its roof, both rooms enjoy a vibrant atmosphere, the elevated DJ booth of the main room offering thousands of dedicated clubbers a place to worship while the Terrace enjoys a slightly more intimate feeling, even though it is probably bigger than most main rooms around the world! When we land Paul van Dyk is on deck duty in the main room, delivering a flawless trance journey with more than a hint of melody, expertly controlling the capacity crowd, showing why he has been one of the world’s top spinners for over a decade.
Meanwhile in the Mixmag Terrace, Laidback Luke has brought his Super You & Me concept back and with super heroes dangling from the ceiling overlooking proceedings, all that’s left for the capacity crowd to do is enjoy itself and enjoy itself it is! Laidback Luke is anything but behind the turntables, switching tunes as regularly, dropping accapellas, looping basslines and generally creating electronic mayhem that has the packed terrace going nuts. His energetic approach to his craft has won millions of fans throughout the world and in Ibiza, where he is probably appreciated the most; he has a genuine superhero status amongst these clubbing disciples. It’s great to see an artist get involved in the fun side of his craft; Laidback Luke wears a superhero costume throughout his set, the fact that he doesn’t take himself too seriously is one of the endearing qualities that has made him one of the most popular performers on the white isle.
Back in the main room Adam Sheridan has taken over closing duties given the absence of Example and the seasoned Cream resident has no problem in taking the crowd up a notch or three for the last couple of hours. Having played extensively throughout the world as well as in Ibiza, he has an understanding of what it takes to finish off the Cream party, leaving everyone satisfied with their lot, although reluctantly heading for the bright light of the Ibiza morning. In the Terrace, Oliver Twizt is on finishing duties and crazy mask aside, does a sterling job. Given the level of talent that is on show throughout a Cream party, there is a certain amount of pressure on the final set to bring the party home and both closing protagonists deliver with ease. Ibiza is filled with amazing parties but there are a select few that will remain with clubbers long after their sun tan has faded, Cream is most definitely one of these.
