Last weekend it was time for the second edition of "Glamsite presents...". Argentina’s most prestigious booking agency Glamsite again presented two international renowned dj’s in club Mint: Richie Hawtin and Dj Hell.

The first edition featured Michael Mayer and Miss Kittin in December. This was the first big party after the summer break, during which the Buenos Aires club scene moves to the Uruguayan and Argentine beaches.

General expectations for this party were mixed. Hopes were high, because it was the first time that Richie Hawtin would play at a club night in Argentina, while Dj Hell hadn’t played in Argentina for a long while. On the other hand, according to a lot of Argentinean clubbers the Mint is not the right venue for this kind of party, because they think it’s more a club for hipsters and posers. The fact that half of the club is reserved for the VIP-section probably proves them right.

Diego Ro-K, one of Argentina’s biggest techno-dj’s, opened the night. Diego Ro-K played a mix of techy and electroclash-oriented tracks with a lot of vocals. Not really my style. It sounded more like a warm-up set for Dj Hell, and not for Richie Hawtin. But the dance floor was already getting really packed during Ro-K’s set.

At 03:00 it was time for the master himself. When he entered the dj-booth, Hawtin was all smiles and the audience was greeting him enthusiastically. Unfortunately he got off to a bad start, because of some serious problems with the sound – the speakers went off four times- during the first hour of his set. Luckily Hawtin didn’t let these problems get to him, encouraged by the enthusiasm of the audience. After the difficult first hour, Hawtin used the remaining 2 hours to play some pumping techno, showing his harder minimalist side. Although he used a lot of more known records, Hawtin did what he does best, constantly building up the tension and with a good sense of timing letting the Mint explode. The audience loved it- it didn’t seem to bother them that the dance floor was too full, while people were holding up a big placard which said “Esto es Vida!”(Translation: This is the life!). Hawtin was also clearly having a good time, constantly interacting with the audience and smiling all the time. In the end it was a decent set, not the 3-hour journey through space I had hoped for, but the trip was still more than worth it.

DJ Hell took over behind the wheels of steel at 06:00. He started with some ok records, combining house and electroclashy sounds. Nevertheless, it was an abrupt break with Hawtin’s set and it didn’t work for me, although the rest of the audience seemed to enjoy it.

An hour into Dj Hell’s set, a satisfied reporter left the Mint. Hawtin proved his skills and professionalism, playing a decent set despite the frustrating problems with the sound. He really gave the public what they wanted. Personally, I think it’s a pity that Glamsite again booked 2 dj’s with different styles, as was the case with Mayer and Kittin in December. These odd couples just don’t do it for me. After a Hawtin-set I want more of the same stuff and not something completely different.

Despite its great location - next to the river Rio de La Plata - the Mint showed it’s not the venue for these kinds of gigs. The problems with the sound ruined the first hour of Hawtin’s set and the dance floor was too busy- , in part because of the VIP-section, which occupies too much space while it was only half full during the night.

Lastly, I have to say I really dig the Argentine audience. Apart from the beautiful eye candy, they remind me of Spanish clubbers with their almost childlike enthusiasm. I can’t wait until next weekend, when Sven Väth will be on a rare visit to Buenos Aires.

(source: Words by: Pollito.Williams)