Rainbow Serpent 2018: Fire, sweat and techno

Gabriel Ananda - Market Stage, Sunday

Gabriel Ananda marked the start of a decent eight-hour stint at the Market Stage for Mixmag from 4pm on Sunday. Dropping his remixes of Rob Hes and Steve Slight’s ‘Focusing’ and Balcazar and Sordo’s ‘Matter of Time’ early, the German soulful techno master jumped on the mic asking ‘Rainbow people, can you feel the heat, yeah!?’ (Did we mention it was hot?) to cheers as hands plunged into drink coolers. Butch’s remix of Mighty Dub Katz ‘Let The Drums Speak’ and ‘Rides’ by Chuckie were highlights as seasoned ‘doof stick’ sign ‘Donald Bump’ rubbed shoulders with newcomer ‘Kim Jong Unce Unce Unce’ in a touching moment of rave unity. Monika Kruse and Pig and Dan’s ‘So Good’ glided towards the end of the set before the off-kilter sounds of Ananda’s own ‘Hey Blop’ provided a profound moment and a glitch track closed.

Patrice Bäumel - Market Stage, Sunday

Patrice Bäumel was up next for just over two hours before Kompakt boss Mayer played three, bringing up the energy beneath the Market Stage misters as the sun began its final descent on the penultimate day. The Subconcious Tales remix of Nicholas Van Orton’s ‘Noseaun’ carried the vibe, with Adriatique’s remix of ‘Monument’ by Tale of Us and Vaal another standout and set highlight before the uplifting afro house of French artist Manoo’s remix of ‘Amalohni’ - Stones and Bones ft. Toshi provided a moment of pure joy in the dirt-turned-mud beneath the cooling spray soothing from above.