The SKRYPTÖM night at Mia Mao in Paris May 16th, 2025, had seriously cool vibes. It wasn’t rammed, which was a massive plus. There was just a proper crowd of heads who were really there for the tunes. The DJ lineup featured Electric Rescue warm up setting the stage. Ben Sims followed with his signature hardgroove and techno energy. He got everyone properly moving. KiNK came next and did his live performance with IMOGEN. Daria Kolosova closed the night with a more accessible and standard techno set.
Ben Sims absolutely killed it. The guy’s a legend for a reason, and his set was just pure fire. He was dropping all sorts of amazing tracks, keeping everyone locked in. His set was a masterclass in hardgroove and techno, demonstrating why he is considered a pioneer in the scene. His track selection was both powerful and eclectic. It kept the energy levels high and the crowd engaged from start to finish. He effortlessly navigated through different shades of techno, showcasing his deep knowledge and skillful mixing. Definitely the highlight of the night for me and loads of others.
One thing that was pretty noticeable, though, was the security. They were on it. The guards patrolling the dance floor, keeping a close eye on everyone. I saw a few people getting pulled for different bits and pieces. It was a bit intense. I guess they were trying to keep things in check. Didn’t really dampen the mood too much though, the music was too good for that.
Daria Kolosova closed the night. Her set was energetic and delivered the techno many in the crowd were expecting. But it didn’t offer the same level of unique flair or surprise as the earlier sets. It felt more like a solid continuation of the night’s established energy. It catered to the broader techno palate without necessarily pushing boundaries. It didn’t make a truly distinctive final impression. This happened after the more experimental KiNK b2b IMOGEN and the masterful Ben Sims.
All in all, a top night out if you’re into proper techno and a more underground feel. Ben Sims was the king, and even with the eagle-eyed security, the atmosphere was still really good. Definitely a thumbs up from me.
