Four Elements

hero of the nu-disco crowd and one of the founding godfathers of italo disco, beppe loda comes to prominence once again with a brand new album of instrumental synth loveliness under his egotrya guise. the album harks back to the heavy influence of 80s prog rock on the cosmic disco scene. tracks like 'landscape' utilise strong synth motifs and experimental melodic touches, brought into the 21st century with crisp production. imagine rustie vs vangelis and you're somewhere close. 'typhoon' is an all-out synth bonanza with chugging basslines and steady disco beats. 'volcano', written and produced with francesco boscolo, is a prime slice of italo glamour that'll have the nu-disco pups reaching for the stars. 'cave' builds on the glacial sci-fi atmospheres whilst 'wind (stella vocal)' drives hard with its mesmerizing groove. 'open air' provides meditative, crystalline relief before 'rare earth' propels the album forward with hollowed-out tom patterns and rapid synth switch-ups. the album comes to a close with the motoric 'underwater', a manic, soaring piece of music paired with the trickling sounds and long modulated synth bows of 'water games' to finish.