There is something truly magical about The Garden in Tisno, home of Love International. The festival site, which spans a cove and beach facing onto the crystal clear Adriatic Sea is the idyllic location to spend seven days dancing to a mix of underground and unconventional Techno, House and Disco.
If the likes of Ben UFO, Bicep and Gerd Janson aren’t enough to draw you in, a lack of egos, subtle production, and friendly atmosphere will have you signing up for next year’s presale before even landing back on home soil. With its four stages, two boats and the one and only Barbarella’s, we were never short of somewhere to be or someone to dance to.
Sunday belonged to the Disco Halal boat party with a notable back to back by Kiwi and DJ Tennis with Simple Symmetry’s remix of ‘Bongos and Tambourines’ a real highlight, Disco Halal boss Moscoman came on to tumultuous applause closing the session with Talk Talk’s “It’s My Life”. Fresh off the boat Four Tet took to the main stage, and did not disappoint whipping the crowd into a loved up frenzy.
Monday could not be further from the usual grim reality of working life. After a day of lounging and sunbathing Crazy P took over the beach stage, a packed dance floor overlooking the waters edge, vibes were particularly high with Danielle Moore delivering empathic vocals over a consistent disco soundtrack. It didn’t stop there; off to Barberella’s we went on a high powered speedboat, and a real highlight of the festival was the consistent hypnotic murmurings of Jane Fitz, which passed by all too quickly, a real master class in understated grooves, style and finesse. As Bicep took over the sun began to rise as the crowd fell deep into their spell.
Although a group decision determined that Tuesdays last 16 tie between England V Colombia took priority over Sean Johnston’s set, the disappointment did not last long. Day turned to night as six hours of dancing to the sounds of Horse Meat Disco commenced.
As the festival came to an end and most of the partygoers got their flights back to reality the few who stayed got to experience the secret island party the setting: a quiet forest overlooking yet another sublime clear beach. As revelers were transferred to the island and back by the festivals party boats, the forest/beach provided a real hedonistic spirit and a throw back to the illegal raves of the 90s.
Sadly all good things must come to and end, but then again, there’s always next year…
