Deep88 ft The Huge: Italo82

The Disco mix of "Italo82", the new release from a "mysterious" Deep88, starts with a stomp a la "Rapper's Delight" (or, okay, "Good Times") before spinning off in a tranquil arc to a Katmandu of AM Gold. With the name, some are gonna call this Italo, some Nu Disco; I just think it's some kind of cosmic easy listening. With vintage synths, the whole track is just oozing with a throwback quality that much Nu Disco that relies on modern computer chop-and-paste is lacking.

It's not the sort of thing I'd like to hear at 2am - the vocal works for me, but is probably a bit too strung-out for most - but I could see this punctuating a downtempo set, outside of its home in something deep and discoy. The Dub mix will probably get more play - it's better for the dancefloor though I think the Disco Mix is superior strictly for listening. Melchior Sultana's "Slow Remix" is, unsurprisingly, even more mellow, particularly with some "soul with strings" and jazz guitars trembling in the background. The overall vibe is a bit like The Cure's "Close to Me" (the remix from the Mixed Up album rather than the original). Unfortunately, at just 4:30, you're limited in what you can do with the pitch control if you want to play it at a higher bpm.

The EP closes with some good old fashioned kitsch in the title of "Don't Play Minimal, Play Minigolf". It's probably going to be overlooked as the redheaded stepchild of a release dominated by "Italo82", but shouldn't be passed over by cratediggers. The title pretty much guarantees that this book is gonna be judged by its cover, but this is a seriously great track. If you're a fan of Moroder, especially his instrumental soundtracks for Hollywood, you'll love this one.

[ - Review by Terry Matthew / July 2011 - ]

Available: Released on vinyl June 27, 2011 and distributed via Diamonds and Pearls.

Deep88: Don't Play Minimal, Play Minigolf