Now in it’s fifth year, Dimensions has become synonymous with innovative programming, diverse, open-minded audiences and unquestionable quality.
The calibre of artists, stages, weather and dancers this year made it difficult to pinpoint a specific stand-out moment from the festival. But I will try…
With Massive Attack performing at the opening concert and Larry Heard with his first set in 20 years, 2016 was arguably the best Dimensions yet. The crystal clear Adriatic Sea sparkled as the sun shone throughout the 5 day festival. Even the jellyfish came out in full force, trying to get as close to the Beach stage as possible. For those campers that arrived on Tuesday, the Beach Stage was open for business and we were treated to a fine selection of global underground cuts from Banana Hill’s Cervo, including Al Zanders‘ new release on A-Z Records. Serving a purpose for everyone, the Beach Stage hosted a vast array of artists throughout the day and night. Sore heads were eased though a combination of cold beer, soothing selections and possibly a dip in the sea. Live performances from Mim Suleiman, Dele Sosimi and The Yussef Kamaal Group as well as DJ sets from Hunee, Awesome Tapes From Africa, the Highlife crew and Jeremy Underground showcased music from across the world. As the sun set over the peninsula, the rhythm and tempo of the Beach Stage increased as people turned their attention to the oncoming night’s programming.
For many, the Opening Concert was umissable. It has become an integral part of what makes Dimensions so special and, as Massive Attack performed to 5000 people in the 2000 year old amphitheatre, it was clear to see why. Alongside Massive Attack, Kamasi Washington performed with his band, playing a selection of cuts from his vast back catalogue. Whilst he has been a highly esteemed saxophonist and composer for some time, he has gained significant popularity following the release of his 2015 album The Epic on Brainfeeder as well as featuring on Flying Lotus and Kendrick Lamar albums.
There was an air of mystery and desire as Massive Attack took to the stage after Washington. With members of the group hidden within a cloud of smoke, it was a truly international spectacle. The visuals made use of the Croatian language on a vast LED screen, inspiring and enticing the crowd which comprised of both locals and festival goers in equal measure.
Their set was politically charged and immersive, as the group opened with an atmospheric rendition of Hymn Of The Big Wheel. Daddy G, 3D and the band performed alongside guests such as Horace Andy who features on the opening track. Leading the crowd on a powerful journey through contemporary issues, the band performed cuts from their early albums such as Safe From Harm, originally released in 1991 but still relevant today. Daddy G made a poignant emotional plea to all in attendance regarding the current refugee crisis and the group returned to stage at the end for an encore, performing Teardrop. Moodymann closed the opening concert this year, with the enigmatic selector becoming a regular at the Croatian festival. Signature shouts of ‘waddupdoe’ were coupled with a set crammed full of new and eclectic records. No surprises there then as it would appear that Kenny Dixon Jr. never plays the same track twice!
The ability to celebrate musical culture from the past whilst providing a platform for the next generation is what makes Dimensions so special. Younger festival-goers (myself included) had the opportunity to see artists such as Massive Attack and Larry Heard, who had only previously performed when we were kids. Studying in Liverpool, it was great to see Abandon Silence’s Andrew Hill open for Larry Heard aka Mr Fingers as well as the Moritz Von Oswald Trio who performed with Tony Allen and Max Ioderbauer. Even the fact that Dimensions takes place in the abandoned Fort Punta Christo shows how important heritage and history is to the team.
Another fantastic aspect to Dimensions is the wide array of boat parties on offer. I was on board for the Abandon Silence boat party with Midland, Dan Shake and Andrew Hill. Midland’s recent release, Final Credits, has quickly become a summer anthem, working well in almost any situation. The three of them enjoyed playing to the intimate crowd on board as much as the crowd enjoyed dancing to their selections. The following day, Highlife set sail around the peninsula. The Glasgow based label and party have become synonymous with an international sound and Andrew Thomson, Auntie Flo and Esa were joined by Cómeme label boss Matias Aguayo who served up all sorts of niceness.
As we ventured into the Fort, it felt like we were back where we belonged. As dancers became one, dancing and swaying in the smokey recesses of the Moat, a highlight was DJ Stingray’s closing set on Saturday night. The Moat’s lineup for that night was curated by NTS and hosted Shanti Celeste, Josey Rebelle and Gene Hunt alongside the balaclava wearing Detroit artist.
Mungo’s Arena rivals any music space in the world, with their renowned system stacked at the front and the back. I hesitate to say it, but now that fabric has closed for the foreseeable future, I would argue that there is no space and sound system combination that could rival Mungo’s Arena. Mala has become a staple at Dimensions and his set this year, was once again, a joy to hear on the Thursday night. A great introduction to the Fort for any newcomers.
Praise must be given to the programming at Dimensions, which really allowed artists to explore their collections. A Rush Hour takeover of the Void stage on Saturday night was coupled with the chance to see Antal, Hunee and Soichi Terada all perform on the beach stage throughout the festival. The different situations led each artist onto extremely varied sets, with Antal playing a fine selection of Brazilian samba on the beach. Alongside these international artists was the chance to see lesser known ones throughout the Fort, with Harri Pepper opening The Garden stage in fine form on Thursday. We also managed to catch CC Disco and the Banana Hill crew on the Arija Stage on Friday.
As always, the weekend passed too quickly and, before we knew it, Sunday night was upon us. It only seemed right to head to The Clearing, with Nightmares On Wax, Gilles Peterson and Motor City Drum Ensemble taking to the decks. It was the right send off for a festival so invested in the celebration of music culture, with three supreme selectors building and ebbing our energy levels throughout the evening. MCDE closed with a choice selection of feel-good disco that he has become so well-regarded for, leaving everyone hugging one another as we stumbled back to camp, with tired faces but happy souls.
Once again, good times were had by all and we will definitely be returning to the Adriatic coast next year. In the meantime, follow Dimensions online as earlybird tickets for 2017 will be coming out very soon.
See you in the Moat!
