elrow needs no introduction. The unique party concept and megabrand is – without doubt – one of the best clubbing experiences out there. For this middle-of-the-season takeover, elrow brought its Gardenarium impression to Cova Santa, where the day-to-night venue was transformed with all the hidden surprises and fun that the Barcelona party concept has become known for. Here’s what happened when Essential Ibiza entered the Gardenarium at Cova Santa with elrow.

Stepping into Cova Santa felt like entering a new world. This was elrow’s world. With soft artificial green grass covering the whole of the outdoor floor space, stalls dotted around and an impressive tree installation acting as the centrepiece, the Gardenarium concept was breathtaking and created a wholeheartedly unique atmosphere that fitted elrow perfectly. Away from its popular Saturday residency at Amnesia, Cova Santa had a different kind of canvass for the Barcelona club brand to paint their perfect party picture. With delicious food stalls, Absolut specially crafted cocktail bars, a fun hotel reception caricature and, of course, the wonderfully exuberant and talented elrow actors, dancers, along with Rowgelia – the elrow chicken –  this day-to-night extravaganza had it all – and let’s not forget the music.

Following a lively Heidi set, Al Doyle and Joe Goddard from London synth-pop band Hot Chip were ready to perform a very special hour-and-a-half on the decks, where the pair would showcase their musical know-how, expertise and passion through a different medium. Hot Chip embraced the Canadian DJ and connected with the elrow crowd perfectly. The pair were bouncing and brought Cova Santa to their level, as the sun disappeared into the stunning forest that surrounds this idyllic venue. When they dropped that timeless Four Tet Nelly Furtado sample, the place erupted. This elrow party was only getting better.

After a short breather under elrow’s alluring tree installation, we hurried into Cova Santa’s inside club room offering: The Den. Just in time for a special Gideon and Seth Troxler three-hour dovetail, the place was already rocking and we buckled ourselves in for a big one. We weren’t leaving until the lights come on. Thankfully, Troxler and Gideon were bringing that groovy house feel with some unsurpassed Chicago selections. Mike Dunn’s Dance You Mutha had the packed-out inside room shaking. Gideon and Seth Troxler were throwing down a set worthy of The Warehouse status, as if Frankie Knuckles himself was up there with them.

With our souls satisfied and our legs ached, maybe it was time to leave? No chance. Berghain’s own Virginia was ready to close elrow’s Cova Santa takeover. Having never seen her play live, I didn’t know what to expect – but this was, hands down, one of the best performances of the season. Her selections were on-point as she blended a unique house and techno sound, all before injecting herself into the soundtrack through a microphone. Her voice was unique, rich and utterly addictive. This was a real artist in her true element and it was a joy to experience. As the lights came on, she thanked those that stayed with her until the very end and it was claps, smiles and hugs all-round as us lucky few embraced what felt like a true Ibiza moment. Until next time.

Further Information & Tickets Below

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