Innervisions' LA debut proved the city's good taste [Review + Photos]

The Âme and Dixon-led Innervisions is one of the most powerful labels in dance music. Its owners’ careful attention to detail and limited output schedule speak its strong quality control measures. As a result, the imprint is widely responsible for bringing avant garde, oft melodic shades of house and electronica to the masses that most wouldn’t normally pay mind to.

Despite its global popularity, however, the label is only just beginning to establish a major presence stateside. It’s held a couple showcases in New York, and in conjunction with DJ Tennis’ Life and Death, Rakastella during Art Basel Miami. Innervisions’ westward expansion thus comes as a welcome development, and even a metaphorical stamp of its North American domination. Trailblazer LA promoters Future Primitive hosted the event, and together, brand leaders ensured the landmark California debut was a class success. Eagles & Butterflies and Trikk to assisted Âme and Dixon in soundtracking Pershing Square’s first ever electronic music event. The venue was packed out by seven.

Eagles & Butterflies kicked off the affair with midtempo grooves and off kilter cuts that fit the time of day like a glove. His set gave way seamlessly into Trikk, who kept a similar mood with his selections—but kicked the energy up a notch. The moody edge they each imbued into their performances worked well with the foggy surroundings.

Âme and Dixon guided the soirée into night time, taking guests on a four-hour back-to-back journey that spanned from deep, tribal-tinged house cuts, to melodic techno, to grimey breakbeats courtesy of Dixon. The lack of predictability was exciting, and the artists’ joint expertise and proven chemistry made for a smooth flow throughout.

Rain made a casual appearance during the party, but luckily wasn’t unbearable. One might even argue that it added to the carnal energy already present thanks to the Innervisions owners’ rather left field and captivating track selection.

The event ultimately feels like a proud part of Los Angeles rave history, and a continued marker of the city’s growing position as a formidable underground dance destination.

Featured image credit: Galen Oakes