- According to the press release, the name of Sven Väth's Metamorphosis World Tour refers to the fact that "change is the only constant, it's the guarantor of continuing development." A suitably paradoxical phrase for the Cocoon boss, who's managed to to stay at the top of his game at age 48, and whose current marathon of gigs brought him as far afield as Singapore, Istanbul and South America.
There is a burgeoning underground scene in Buenos Aires—the capital forging a reputation as one of the more techno savvy cities on the continent. At the forefront of the party scene is the monthly STATE, which happens at the exceptional Alsina venue in the heart of the city centre. Once a month, the crowds cram into the club to see international DJs like Sasha or Carl Cox.
From the moment I stepped into the club, its hall-like design struck me. Above the long and narrow dance floor, there were three balcony levels that went up around the atrium space, supported by columns. The extra production effort that comes from a monthly party was noticeable, too. The soundsystem was hefty but well-balanced and the visuals were far from disappointing. The darting lights were as trippy as the digital projections of Väth (tussling with a dressed-up tiger) that led up to the top of the building, continuing on the lofty ceiling itself.
Franco Cinelli delivered the warm-up set, during which Väth made a sudden appearance that caused a group of fans to go round the back of the booth and engage in whatever form of interaction possible. He was more than happy to serve his loyal following, both posing for the makeshift paparazzi and signing autographs, all the while looking wizard-like in his spectacles.
Once at the helm, Väth cultivated a musical journey brimming with intensity. Highlights included DJ Koze's emotive, slow-burning remix of Matthew Herbert's "It's Only," and the faster, hard-edged drive of Makam Orchestra Drama's remix of Boris Werner's "Set it Off." Moving into some proper thumping techno, Väth's energy from behind the decks diffused across the packed floor. It was entertaining in itself just to watch how assured his DJing style is. By the end of it all, it was safe to say he'd ruffled a few Argentinian feathers.