Friday night saw Hot Since 82 officially open his debut solo season residency in Pacha as Labyrinth got off to a flyer. There was no sign of the goblin king but just about everyone else was there to welcome the brand new Pacha party, with Hot Since 82 welcoming Sasha, Maya Jane Coles and La Fleur to the booth. After a day at the final day of IMS, at Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza, in which the star played a classics set in the lobby and a drop in to mambo in San Antonio with La Fleur for the pre-party, it was all systems go for the latest edition to the twin cherries armoury.

The club was transformed into a mystical land., where giant colourful face masks and menacing vines gave the famous room and other-worldly feel. It’s still astonishing to think that this venue has been hosting these amazing parties for half a century now, longer than many of the clubbers filling it tonight have been alive! The crowd filled the venue early, it would be easy to put that down to early season enthusiasm as opening week hits top gear but, truth be told, Ibiza has been operating at full capacity for a couple of weeks now, with more tourists dropping into the island in May than ever before. The atmosphere is electric as the build-up begins.

Maya jane Coles is always a pleasure to listen to, the talented DJ/ producer has a knack of constructing a flawless transition through some of the finest house and techno beats, filled with emotive chord changes, chunky beats and basslines that demand you move your feet. Tonight was no different as the petite figure of the experienced spinner went about her work in the Pacha booth. Ibiza 2017 see Sasha reunite with John Digweed for a few shows, which is something we are really looking forward to, but for now, it’s all about Pacha as the legend goes about the business of hypnotising the packed floor with his unique sound. The combination of percussion and bassline offers a driving rhythm that captures the attention of the floor from the off. Not just the floor actually, everywhere we look people are dancing; from the stairs onto the main room to the VIP section and, of course that famous dancefloor.

Hot Since 82 is no stranger to Friday night in Pacha, having appeared previously as a guest. Tonight marks the start of a brand new journey as he takes sole responsibility for an Ibiza residency for the first time. As he starts his set for the official opening party, he looks relaxed and completely in control. The pre-party the previous week had given an indication of what we could look forward to from this residency but that was nothing compared to what unfolded. Hot Since 82 has created a niche for his tribal rhythms and thumping beats that has seen him become one of the most influential producers on the underground scene. He mastered the dancefloor from the off, controlling everyone on it with ease as he eased through his musical journey. It was a spectacular start to what promises to be a huge Friday night on the island.