We love Marcel Dettmann, but seeing him multiple times means learning to appreciate his different gears. Judging from the last three most recent sets we have heard him play, Marcel is moving in an increasingly psychedelic direction.
He has been drifting away from the gritty, “steel-and-concrete” tension he is known for at Berghain. Instead, he delivered a set that was fabulously trippy. It was a journey into heady textures and evolving, hypnotic loops that felt more like a dreamscape than a factory line. While it wasn’t the most high-impact set we’ve seen from him, we love this experimental shift. It’s a reminder that even after decades in the booth, he continues to innovate. He is still searching for new ways to warp the listener’s perspective.
The Standout: Akua’s High-Velocity Vision
While Marcel explored the mental side of the sound, Akua provided the physical peak of the night. She delivered a set of pure, uncompromising momentum. In a world of “safe” techno, Akua represents the raw, fast-paced edge of the culture. Her selection was surgical, high-energy, and completely focused. She didn’t just play to the room; she commanded it, proving that she is currently a vital forces in the booth. For those of us looking for that specific state of collective effervescence, Akua was the undeniable engine.
Strategic Rest: Mac Declos and the Mia Mao Layout
Mac Declos provided a different kind of energy, leaning heavily on established techno hits. While the crowd responded to the familiarity, for us, it felt like the right moment to “save energy”—a necessary tactic for any marathon session.
This is where the architecture of Mia Mao truly excels. The venue features an excellent balcony that allows you to step back from the intensity of the pit without losing the thread of the music. The acoustics remain sharp even from the elevation, allowing for a more analytical, relaxed listening experience.
When we needed a total reset, we headed to the huge outdoor area. Overlooking the Canal de l’Ourcq, the space is massive and genuinely pleasant—a rare luxury for a Parisian clubs and warehouses. Breathing in the cold air while watching the water reflect the lights of the Villette provides a moment of peace that prepares you for the next dive into the rhythm.
A night at Mia Mao is a journey of highs and lows. It wasn’t a “perfect” night in terms of every set being an all-time heavy-hitter, but it was an authentic one. From Akua’s blistering brilliance to the chance to experience the psychedelic evolution of a legend, it was a reminder that techno is a living, breathing thing. We left grateful for the spaces that allow us to experience this music in all its complexity.