The city of Pula will be a familiar stomping ground for many bass music enthusiasts, because for nine years now, Outlook festival has attracted ravers from the world over to the sunny lands of Croatia. Running from the 5th to the 9th of September, this years tenth anniversary edition will see parties held across some very unique sites, including an underground network of tunnels underneath Pula centre. Add that to the opening ceremony, which takes place in a 2000 year old amphitheatre, and you’ll quickly start to see how the location shapes Outlook up to be something very special indeed.
And we haven’t even reached the lineup yet! It must be said that this isn’t really the scene for those solely into house or techno. In fact, there’s none on the bill at all. But for lovers of all things heavy, dark and deep, it’s pretty much a paradise. Drum and bass wise you’re covered on all fronts: from jump up to liquid, right the way through to neuro, minimal and jungle, all five of DnB’s biggest corners will represented in full force. See Hype and Eksman for that gritty jump up fix; Spectrasoul for that soothing liquid feel; Dispatch Recordings runner Ant TC1 for those looping knock-your-teeth-out rollers; man of the moment Break for those cold, minimal steppers; and Noisia for that needed dose of glitchy neuro.
Of course the legends of the scene aren’t to be missed either. Marky, Calibre, DBridge, Andy C, Goldie, Randall… the list goes on. Titans of DnB, and those who’ve laid foundations for younger generations to build on.
Lower the tempo a bit, and soon we come across the UK bass scene. The average track BPM may have gone down, but the selection of talent on offer certainly hasn’t. The usual suspects from Crucast will be in attendance, with Darkzy, Skepsis, Notion, Bru C, Lazcru and Mr Virgo lenging it down. Add to that a boat party, captained by 24 hour Garage Girls, whose crew members include Mikey B, Shosh and Deadbeat UK, and you’ll quickly start to see the diversity of UK bass that’s on offer on Outlook. If wobbly, in your face, 140 BPM bassline is your cup of tea, then look no further.
We could pick apart the lineup forever, but there comes a time when the music has to do the talking. Outlook is is the one for bass music enthusiasts, and it’s also one for the ‘heads’. Those that are in the know when it comes to the music they like, and how they like it. The location is special – raves in underground tunnels and amphitheatres are a rare breed by anyone’s standards! – but it’s the crowd that sets Outlook apart from other Croatian festivals. No posers, no pretenders, just educated partygoers.
Outlook Festival will be taking place in the city of Pula from Septmber 5th to September 9th. All remaining tickets available here.