Returning to its former home Sankey's, which is now known as Octan Ibiza, Steve Lawler's essential Warriors party cut the ribbon to mark the start of a new era at Playa Den Bossa's most intimate superclub.
A huge amount of hype has caused quite the stir in Ibiza the past few weeks. As Sankey's seemed to be dead and buried, the new owners of one of Ibiza's most fundamental clubs have kept their cards pretty close to their chest. As we approached the end of the opening parties, we began to wonder if raves in THAT famous basement would remain but a fond memory.
Alas, the news spread fast that Steve Lawler had assembled his Warriors to take back its rightful home. Despite a slightly late start to the season, Octan Ibiza is by no means last in the race and has pushed its way close to the front as one of the most talked about novelties of the 2019 clubbing calendar.
The queue of eager revellers stretched right around the corner of the club on Sunday night, meaning once again, VIVA Warriors is back with a vengeance. Here's how the night went down.
Octan club, THE SAME, BUT DIFFERENT
As promised, the holy grail of dark and dingy raves stayed true to the essence and we were thrilled upon arrival to see that the venue has kept the edgy warehouse aesthetic intact. Unlike most of Ibiza's superclubs, Octan Ibiza made it clear that it would not turn into a flashy VIP focussed event and pretentious vibes should be kept at home.
As we entered the club, we headed straight to the Basement where the dark, low-ceilinged rooms illuminated with subtle red lighting. The earthy space has mastered the heavy mood of pulsating bass in a pressure box atmosphere which is intensified by every crowd rumble and effortless tune.
Seb Zito's set was just getting started... and what a set! As much as I could've stayed in the Basement and listened to endless techno treats, it was my duty to explore the numerous rooms. Besides, the Basement was brimming and it became a bit of a sweatbox; the perfect opportunity to check out the terrace where the good vibes continued.
The iconic graffiti decorated toilets have had a slight upgrade. The painted walls remained vibrant and rustic but the space has gained a new aspect of entertainment, some DJ decks and a couple of VIVA Warriors dancing on the sinks, similar to that of Hï Ibiza but in smaller space. Either way, we loved it!
MUSICALLY SUBLIME in WARRIOS Octan Club
On this night, I was unable to feel the need to stop Shazaming track after track, as for me, the FUSE residents Seb Zito and Enzo Siragusa relit the flame in the Basement. With two of the most refreshing and exciting sets I have witnessed of the season, it was evident that this time, they were here to stay.
Stand out tracks from Seb Zito would be his own remix of ANTOR's "Keep on Breathing" and These Machines extended remix of Jess Glynne's "Thursday".
It was all about the melodic vibes with a hint of vocal-house to create euphoric dancefloor moments, a style followed by Enzo with fresh beats like "Waves (Jamie Jones re-edit) by Jamie Jones and Raumakustik.
We were in the palm of their hands, and "Silent Night" by Carlo Whale had us itching for more.
Heading over to room 2 next to the main room, the high calibre of new and exciting sounds continued to hit the roof. Chi Chi Pensa's "Patagonia" sounded unreal.
When the boss, Steve Lawler, took control of the decks, the energy from behind the booth and the packed-out dancefloor made for the very best intimate rave vibes that make nights like this an underground sensation.
We were in constant indecisiveness as each room boasted headliners in their own right and put up a fight for our attention. Lucky for some, there are still another six dates left to lap it all up with more top-notch talent back to celebrate the refurb.
If the opening party is anything to go by, expect buckets on enthusiasm as the Warriors have something to prove. Congrats Steve Lawler, Octan Ibiza appears to have chucked another spanner in the works when it comes to deciding which party to go to on Sunday's in Ibiza.
If this review is anything to go by, I think we've made up the decision for you!
See here for more info and tickets.
Words: Holly Woulfe
