Labels like Nature and Minimal Rome put Italy on the modern electronic map. House has had less attention from the Mediterranean state. The Early Sound Collective are imbibed with a passion for their music and the sounds that went before them. They look to the past but gaze headily into the future.
From the depths of Naples come The Early Sounds Collective. The four man team of Leskin, Massimo di Lena, Joseph Russel and Rio Padice make up the collective who have established their eponymous label and just released on Bio Rhythm. To start the imprint the Collective serve up a plate of three tracks from its members.
Lo-fi House sounds introduce the Early Sounds Collective Vol. 1 with Leskin offer a track of 90s inspired deepness. Vocals brush against bass and gentle pads for a smooth and easily digested introduction to this ensemble. Rio Padice, of the likes of, keeps the filleted machine sound moving. Lounging chord are lightly seasoned with snares and beats. Massimo Di Lina dishes up the most club orientated of the trio. Bass and pads are still the strongest ingredient, but a jagged beat and almost acidified bleeps toughen the course.
The Collective come together for a quartet of tracks on Bio-Rhythm, Early Sounds. The softened moments of the first EP are buttressed by stronger beats, 303 tweaks hi-hats. “MS3” keeps the dreamlike quality of the debut 12”. “JR1” develops along rudimentary House lines, ebbing and flowing in a polished Chicago way. The introduction belies the tracks possibilities. Spiralling analogue chords are shot skyward, washing over claps to create a heady piece of complex machine music. “LSK1” opens with echoes of Jamal Moss, but takes that distorted devilry and tempers it with soulful drops. A coarseness is ever present on the record but never allowed to dominate. “DKR02” closes and out of the foursome this is the most Techno orientated—slow and smoke filled the track has a subdued sinister side.
Labels like Nature and Minimal Rome put Italy on the modern electronic map. House has had less attention from the Mediterranean state. The Early Sound Collective are imbibed with a passion for their music and the sounds that went before them. They look to the past but gaze headily into the future. With new releases set for the coming months this Napolitano outfit are definitely worth keeping an ear out for.
Both releases are available on ESC / Bio Rhythm.
