For some particular reason I had avoided making the trip to what was once a fully functioning zoo for the infamous Zoo Project in all the years I had been visiting the White Isle. However this summer it was firmly on the list and I am delighted to say it was a resounding HIT!
Situated on the grounds of Gala Night Park in an old abandoned in the hills of Benimussa, Ibiza the party has steadily grown in momentum over the past few years offering the islands crowds an entirely different experience to anything else available. This is a more fun side to Ibiza, nobody is taking themselves too seriously and enjoying yourself is the end goal, as the sign says ‘In this House, we laugh a lot, we get silly, we show respect, we love hugs, we feed the djs, we are family! The paint, the performers and the atmosphere all lend themselves to a hell of a party and this reviewer got the feeling that some of the original fun of Ibiza has been brought back with this adventurous party.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Zoo Project has been the effortless blend of underground talent with more well known names to create a diverse melting pot of music that is unrivalled in Ibiza. The careful selection of underground talents also makes the Zoo the perfect place to spot the up and coming performers who may be moving on to bigger things in the future. For those who love to constantly claim to their friends that they ‘knew about DJ Wizzles before anyone else’ this is a definite boon.
On the evening in question we were greeted by one of the tastiest lineups of the season which included George Fitzgerald, Dana Ruh, A Guy Called Gerald and Federico Grazzini as well as a host of well respected talent. Our earbuds were buzzing from the word go as we enjoyed a stellar set from the legend that is A Guy Called Gerald and the eclectic grooves of Berlin based Dana Ruh. The main events were about to unfold however as we were treated to a pair of very special sets from George Fitz and in the seal pit, Zoo favourite Federico Grazzini. Mr Fitzgerald was on point with his bouncy tribal tinged house satisfying the masses at the main outdoor stage. Running through a number of well selected tech numbers there was an undeniable buzz in the air as the animals of the zoo came to life. Tracks like Ben Teufels tech release Gran Cassa and the thumping Guestlist from JMP, DJ Freespirit and DJ Tim fueled an already buzzing crowd and lifted them to an almost hedonistic level.
It was then time for a move back to the seal pit to see the ever impressive Federico Grazzini. The Italian spinner is well ensconced as a resident of the zoo and knows exactly how to operate surrounded by the madness of animal dancers, swimmers and general mayhem makers. His careful blend of house and techno ensures the crowd are always at peak level as they surround the seal pit. The madness reached its peak with Federico dropping his very own ‘The Next Level’ to devastating effect with a few short minutes to go till close of business. From there the only way was up and he closed the night out with a little Donna Summer as everyone made their way back to their respective homes (or on to greater conquests) in empowered form. For When We Dip it was confirmed, Zoo project is an unmissable part of Ibiza which needs to be experienced before you can say you’ve seen all the hotspots of Ibiza. WWD recommended!
P.S Make sure to get the paint! You won’t regret it.