Tags: Psychedelic Funk

Review: We really have a soft spot for the Four Flies late out of Italy. Their mix of world, Latin, library, jazz and plenty of other cultured in-between sounds always brings a smile to our face and dancers to our dance floors. This new 7" takes the form of a second single to be taken from Psyche's (aka Naples collective Marcello Giannini, Andrea De Fazio and Paolo Petrella) debut long player which is due in May. It's a compelling cut that offers a rich exploration of rhythm and the movements of an imaginary ritual dance. Synths and drums, guitar and bass and percussion all interplay delightfully.

Review: Four Flies continue their mission to plunge Italy's funk-historical depths. The pinnacle of their search so far for the sure-to-exist pearly gems on the sands thereunder is the new Africamore compilation, which homes in like a heat-seeking torpedo on the particular Afro- ends of the funk sound prevalent in the nation, in the crucial years between 1973 and 1978. This period was notable for its facilitating fertile ground for the emerging discotheque market in Italy at the time. From psychedelic-tinged tunes like Jean Paul & Angelique's 'Africa Sound' to Afrobeat-esque club banger 'Kumbayero' by Albert Verrecchia; from groundbreaking Afro-cosmics like Chrisma's 'Amore to mind-blowing floor-fillers like Beryl Cunningham's 'Why O', this is a multivalent compilation, among the best out there to document the burblings of that crosswise stew of disco, funk, electro and world musics.

Review: Rome label Maledetta Discoteca Records encouraged a bunch of talented local musicians to get together and play live, embrace spontaneity and do their improvised best. What results is this new record, which is funk at its core, but which is coloured by so much more around the edges. Recorded in the historic Auditorium 900 studios with sound engineer Fabrizio Piccolo, the record takes in everything from 70s instrumentals to progressive funk, Hispanic rock and more with all manner of wah wah guitars, synths and organ bringing each groove to life in tiles fashion.

Review: American splatter horror director Eli Roth curates a spicy and seductive collection of Italian soundtrack gems, offering a deep dive into the rich and often scandalous world of Italian softcore and sexy comedies from the 70s and 80s. With tracks spanning disco, funk, bossa nova, and psych, Roth draws upon the compositions of iconic Italian film composers like Stelvio Cipriani, Bruno Nicolai, and Riz Ortolani. Highlights include Cipriani's infectious 'Nude Odeon (Ritmico Funk)' and Ferrio's sultry 'Quando Vuoi Con Chi Vuoi.' The collection, which also features rare and previously unreleased tracks, pulses with a heady mix of erotic tension and playful grooves. 'Amori Stellari' from Don Powell, with its cheeky synth-laden intro, adds a spacey touch, while Gianni Ferrio's 'La Musica E' effortlessly evokes the seductive atmosphere of 70s Italian cinema. Whether it's the funky disco beats of 'Avere Vent'anni (Disco)' or the dark allure of 'Il Sesso Del Diavolo,' each track feels like an invitation into an intimate, forbidden world. It's a soundtrack for lovers of cult cinema, irresistibly bold and full of character.