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Balearica
chilled
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4056813207651
Based in the Sicilian coastal city of Catania, Dario Aiello has plenty of chances to longingly stare into the endless deep blue of the Ionian Sea. It should therefore come as no surprise that his debut EP for NuNorthern Soul, Cosmic Sailing, is a six-track musical daydream about a kaleidoscopic sea voyage into the unknown.

Although his recording career as My Friend Dario is still in its infancy, Aiello has already made an impact. He won plaudits from Balearic-minded Bandcamp diggers for a string of self-released singles, before offering up a handful of inspired remixes and tracks on a number of releases on the admirably saucer-eyed Hell Yeah! Recordings imprint. Even so, his NuNorthern Soul debut is a big development, portraying him as an accomplished producer and musician with a gift for crafting colourful and inventive musical fusions.

Across the course of six tracks, Aiello perfectly sets out his mellow, warming, spacious and mind-soothing approach, smoothly navigating cosmic waters. Opener ‘Fenice’ sets the tone, with the Sicilian producer cloaking rising and falling synthesizer arpeggio lines in twinkling piano motifs, simmering chords and colourful electronic motifs. He channels the spirits of Italy’s turn-of-the-90s dream house movement and horizontal Balearic disco on the impeccable ‘Malvasia’, while ‘Mr Mellow’ sees him mix-up post-electro beats, pots-and-pans percussion and starry electronics to great effect.

Aiello’s varied inspirations come to the fore across the reminder of the EP. Check, for example, the rubbery and undeniably intergalactic 21st century boogie bounce of ‘Neve Su Acireale’, where Pat Metheny style jazz guitar flourishes, sparkling synth riffs and elastic slap-bass notes dance around a snappy, early ‘80s drum machine groove.

‘Campagna 2’ goes further, with the Italian smothering a deliciously crunchy drumbeat with warming chords and looped sax samples, while ‘Storm’ sees him calming choppy waters via fluid, slow-motion piano solos, sleepy beats, enveloping musical textures and a handful of atmospheric samples. It’s a breath-taking end to an EP chock full of evocative, ear-pleasing aural treats.

DJ Feedback:

CATZ N DOGZ
Such an amazing release, love the whole vibe of this ep ! will play this in the radio

SEAN JOHNSTON
Dangerously jazzy in places but I still dig it!

LAURENT GARNIER So beautiful

FRANCOIS K
I would love to have the lossless files of this.

DAVID AJU
Wow, lovely! Always dig Dario’s music, but this is such a comprehensive and well-rounded package, perfectly timed as well.

LEO MAS
Really Nice Ep, Bravo

PETE HERBERT
Thanks for this one.. superb, all great tracks.. love this dude.

JASON KENDIG/ HONEY SOUNDSYSTEM
This whole record was a delight to listen through. The perfect antidote to election fatigue this morning.I can see this being in heavy rotation as the days get shorter and the promise of summer lingers in the distance. The delicate moments shine just as bright as the tougher and funkier moments.

CHARLES WEBSTER
I really like 'Storm'...will fit in my radio show very nicely.

DANIELLE MOORE / CRAZY P
I LOVE THIS! Track 2 is a beauty xxx

DJ ROCCA
This EP is super nice. Love all the tracks

DR ROB/ BAN BAN TON TON
The opener and closer on here are both very nice.

ZIP
...

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