April 15, 2014 · Team HG
It was the first time that I went to the Kokomo went for a party, I had been to the Palace before in the distant past, but that time is behind me. For the big names who were here last Friday, the Kokomo a separate location. Extrawelt is bringing a PA system for the occasion, as well as the necessary synthesizers, so there needs to be enough space to set everything up. The boat, familiar to many, that used to adorn the disco had been removed and a spacious open DJ booth created. This area near the entrance in front of the bar was reserved for the local heroes and the German forest ranger and DJ. Dominik EulbergAn extra DJ booth was built behind the dance floor for ExtraweltThis way, they could easily switch between performances, because the next DJ was essentially ready immediately after the previous one's performance.
The evening began with Milan Meyberg, a resident of Building 48 in Groningen and Studio80 in Amsterdam, he opened the evening, and despite the fact that it was fairly quiet at the Kokomo at the start, he still managed to get the dance floor moving. A creatively constructed set that showcased his qualities nicely. The momentum built by Meyberg was taken over by Elias Mazian, a DJ we will be hearing a lot more from; he has already performed at ADE and was also busy showcasing his talent in Groningen on Friday.
Halfway through the evening, this young guard made way for an old hand in the business, Steve Rachmad. This man has seen and done it all, yet despite that, he always manages to innovate. Consequently, this set was truly worthwhile once again. It got increasingly crowded during his set, which only benefited the atmosphere. Alternating with familiar tunes, his set was a highlight in itself. There was a clear build-up, and the set really worked toward an end; it wasn't a build-up for the next act, but one of the first peaks of the evening.
Rachmad's set was a peak and therefore needed a worthy follow-up; it was time for Extrawelt, a three-hour live set by one of the best duos in the techno genre. Thanks to the equipment they brought along, Extrawelt provided depth and detail to the sounds on display. It was a top-notch set in which every bit of sound received attention from these two masters. Supported by the somewhat mediocre light show but with the perfect temperature on the dance floor, this was a top performance. After thunderous applause, it was time for the forest ranger from Germany: Dominik Eulberg!
His Boilerroom sets are well-known among many: an accessible set by an accessible DJ, who isn't too shy to stop for a chat here and there, accept a gift, or take a compliment. His set went from quiet with a few outliers here and there to an increasingly harder set. A set that a real techno night certainly needs: a few familiar tunes and beeps here and there, and a bass that gets heavier and heavier. Dominik Eulberg's set was the perfect stepping stone for Joran van Pol, who bravely took advantage of this and continued in that vein. Hard and fine.
After a very successful evening, tired but satisfied, I headed home. De Kokomo surprised me positively as a techno venue with good sound, a nice temperature on the dance floor, and friendly and professional staff. A few more lights and perhaps a bit more running water in the restroom, and it would be a truly top-notch location. You can always argue about music, but on Friday in Groningen, the techno was certainly of a high standard.
Text: Dave Sylbing
Photos: Niels de Vries
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