Governors Island Beach Club: August 11th 2012

Stepping on to the ferry heading to Governor’s Island instantly gave you an idea of the ambiance for the night. Everyone on the boat was going to this tiny island off of Manhattan for one reason, to rage. Even before you could leave the dock, you could hear the mumbled thumping of subwoofers in the near distance. As you pull closer, you realize how big this white tent you saw in the distance actually is, and the music is apparently coming from out of that oasis.

Upon our arrival, Pleasurekraft was just hitting the decks, getting the party-ragers ready for the rest of the night. Pleasurekraft had a very energetic set nice and early in the day, which set a great standard for the headliners for the night. We particularly liked the use of “Latin Chica” by Strichkot, with its tech house vibe. When “Satyr Song” began to flood into the speakers, the entire place started to join in dancing. The sun was beginning to set, and the combination of the Manhattan skyline and the venue’s lights taking a hold was beginning to become breathtaking.

It was now time for the great John Digweed’s first set of the night. Digweed jumped on the stage and really gave the people what they wanted. Keeping everyone guessing what track was coming next. A lot of techno was present in this set, along with some deep house. Digweed’s skills really showed with his effortless transitions that at times you couldn’t tell their was any transition at all. “Fugitive” by Christian Smith and his own “Warung Beach” were favorites of ours, and most of the people enjoying the show.

This night was pretty unique as New York’s own Danny Tenaglia, who just a couple months earlier had a very publicized resignation, joined Digweed in the booth. Digweed and Danny Tenaglia shared the stage giving us alternating sets of some of the best and most unique tech house, techno, tribal, and everything in between. Minutes later, Tenaglia had taken over the stage and by this time the entire beach club was involved. From the covered area to the sandy chill area people were dancing to the beats. Dropping an Electric Allstars remix of Michelle Lawson’s “No Smoke” was a nice surprise. Of course we heard Tenaglia’s “Be Yourself” which is a funky tribal piece that you can really move to.

Once again, Digweed came on for his last set of the night. With the entire tent glowing from the intense lighting system, it was time to drop some bombs. We heard some popular tracks such as “Heaven Scent” and “Gridlock”. One track that we didn’t expect to hear was Bob Sinclair’s “Far l’Amore”, which was towards the closing of his set.

Closing out the night was the legendary Danny Tenaglia, solo this time. His energy exploded during the last hour of this extremely memorable night. We were treated to some incredible mixing that is only achieved by a true master of his craft. Continuing the tribal and techno feel till the end of the night, we heard “The Space Dance” and of course, Danny’s personal edit of “Love and Happiness” which was an incredible way to round off the night.

With many sets sounding similar these days for months at a time, it was such a great chance from the routine set this summer. Everywhere you go, the majority of the tracks are easily recognized. With the line up at Governors Island August 11th 2012, this was not the case at all. Even the seasoned EDM fan definitely heard many tracks that were new to their ears, which showed us what truly talented DJ’s should be doing. Bringing us new music! If you have a chance to make it out Governor’s Island, do it!

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