Review: London based Chris Coco released the My Favourite Place LP back in late 2017, influenced by the summer of 2016 when he lived in Ibiza - he played 50 sunsets on the Spanish island and more across the Mediterranean in Italy. We now get treated to two brilliant remixes: "Una Tarde Calurosa" gets a rework by the Clandestino affiliated Coyote, taking it into very hazy, psyched-put balearica territory, while Danish nu-disco hero Rune Lindbaek takes "Lillestrom" deeper into ethereal ambient house territory that's perfect for the chill-out rooms at today's raves.
Review: Few DJs have more experience of providing the soundtrack to Balearic sunsets than Chris Coco and Pete Gooding. It's perhaps fitting, then, that they've compiled and mixed this second installment of the Gecko Beach Club (based on Formentera, Ibiza's little brother) mix series. This bulging digital package contains a mix from each (Coco's is defiantly hazy and downtempo, Gooding's packed full of tactile deep house), plus their selections in unmixed form. There are some real gems to be found, from the sun-kissed simplicity of Seu Jorge and Almaz's unfussy cover of "Everybody Loves the Sunshine", and Blackbelt Andersen's spine-tingling "Mann Pa Mars", to the wide-eyed Balearic house goodness of Gooding's own "Malibu", and the bassy strut of Waifs & Strays' "Remedy".
Review: In 2015 DJ Harvey made his hugely anticipated return to Ibiza and made Pikes the home for his Mercury Rising debut, a concept inspired by the beauty of the real Ibiza, the incredible history of the hotel (aka The Chelsea of Ibiza) and a genuine love for music. This Balearic spirit perfectly and poetically encapsulated by DJ Harvey has seen Mercury Rising widely recognised as the most special night to embrace the island in over a decade. The next step in the story sees him launch Pikes Records - the first record label founded by Pikes owners and Ibiza Rocks co-founders Andy McKay and Dawn Hindle. From his own Locussolus project's slow burner "Next To You" (Marcy Rising edit), to fellow London disco heroes Idjut Boys who serve up "One For Kenny" where they get really deep. There's also party favourite Gatto Fritto with "Invisible College" and Eric 'Dr. Dunks' Duncan, on form as always, with Chris Munoz on the scorcher "Zona De Perigo".
