The excitement really kicked in as we were driving down the windy lanes of Souldrop, heading toward what we would soon discover to be a spectacular location, hidden deep in the countryside. Tofte Manor may be best known as a spiritual sanctuary – a sacred space that welcomes those looking for wellness, a place to unwind and connect with nature. Some might say these qualities go hand in hand with the celebration of music. Tofte’s management clearly agrees, and recent years have seen them transform the grounds with a series of inspired collaborations.
Forward-thinking promoters Labyrinth are the musical minds behind these events, and there’s a reason they return year after year. Their summer series here has become truly special – carefully curated, hosting some of the finest acts around. This time, we were there to see a long-time Labyrinth favorite who has often headlined over the years – the ever-adored, Boris Brejcha.
Entering the venue, it was quite clear that there was something magical in the air. Tofte Manor is a place you might easily get lost for days, thanks to the nature, beauty, and aura that surrounds it. As our eyes glittered in the disco ball-clad trees, we were instantly drawn to a little packed-out tent – the Labyrinth stage. Over the course of the afternoon, TIMANTI, Samm & Anja, Antdot and Nick Castle offered a vibey contrast to the heavier shades of the main stage, moving between house, disco and feel-good grooves.
Colorful fabrics draped from the tent’s edges, enclosing you in the moment as bright lights danced across the intimate crowd. We would find ourselves dipping in and out throughout the day, our hands in the air, smiles on our faces.
Over on the Manor stage, Boris would be supported by Eli Verveine, Olympe, Argy, and HVOB, who performed a stirring live set. The Austrian duo delivered a heartfelt performance, combining deep melodies with driving grooves, elevated by the sweet sounds of Anna Muller’s vocals that lead her own compositions, alongside Paul Wallner.
With Argy running late due to flight delays, Eli Verveine stepped back up to keep the energy flowing, weaving together old favorites like Sebo K’s remix of Nina Kraviz’s ‘Okain’s Scream’ with newer, fresher grooves. By the time Argy arrived, the crowd was fired up and ready. His set may have been cut short, but he went all in – dramatic build-ups, huge drops, and a performance that, while crowd-pleasing, felt a little over exaggerated, leaving some faces looking a little bewildered. We took the opportunity to explore more of the venue, and we were not disappointed.
It felt more like being in the middle of a three-day festival than a single-day event, a total escape from the outside world. From views of the Manor itself to the hidden labyrinth tucked into the surrounding fields, there was something else to appreciate alongside the beats. With plenty of space to unwind, excellent food options, and an efficient bar service, the recipe had clearly been well thought out. Smooth and well organised, from start to finish.
Back to the music, Boris Brejcha had taken over at the Manor stage, and there was little time to waste. Those earlier smiles I mentioned before became too polite for this kind of sound, as the unmistakable techno face crept across the crowd. Eyes closed and lips curled in a twisted grin, it’s a grimace that only true techno lovers understand. That is the effect that the German artist has, and you quickly become locked in for the duration.
Even after nearly two decades in the game, his sound continues to evolve. Despite a relentless touring schedule, he’s still churning out fresh material. His latest album ‘Level One,’ released last year via his own Fcking Serious label, featured heavily throughout the set. Of course, more recent hits like ‘16 Red Even,’ released just one week before, served up a main moment with its raucous groove and tongue-in-cheek vocal drops.
As a longtime fan, I’ll admit, I barely recognized a single track. And that’s the beauty of Boris, ever shifting, always experimenting. At the heart of it, though, his sound and vision remain unmistakably his. A signature high-tech sound that hits just as hard, almost 20 years in. We only wished he could have played for longer, and judging by the reaction of the crowd, we all felt the same as the event came to an end.
Labyrinth and Tofte Manor together have it down to a tee. The event draws a beautifully diverse crowd, many of whom are regulars who keep on coming back. It’s no surprise, really. This is a stunning, thoughtfully produced experience. Keep it up team – we love it.
