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Mar De Novo delivers another compelling record with their Daje EP; a six-track EP that effortlessly taps into the nostalgic pulse of Italo Disco while imbuing the label with what it is known for. As one of Vinyl Only’s stable producers, Mar De Novo continue to carve a distinct niche with this release, combining warmth with a nuanced modernity. Spanning groovy, dancefloor-oriented moments and introspective – if a little twisted, and sometimes chilled in its vibe – Daje EP honours the enduring influence this sound has on the music scene, whilst pushing it forwards.
In this EP the analogue synths are quirky and playful, working atop a bed of funky, stuttering beats, with a real depth to the ideas in the arrangement – a characteristic Mar De Novo has mastered. The synths bubble up in unpredictable places, yet never feeling out of control. There is a really human edge to this record and that shows in the best way.
From the twisted funk workout of Instant Humidity and classic soulful vocal edge of Call Me, to the strobe-lit Italo arpeggios of Progression and plunging basslines and cosmic keys of Get A Way that add a layer of spacey psychedelia to the mix. This record is home to a panoply of related ideas. Often feeling like a call-back to the golden era of late ’70s disco, but with enough modernity to make it so relevant to today’s crate-diggers. Imagine, feel-good moments, both on and off the dancefloor.
Mar De Novo’s ability to straddle the line between homage and innovation is the whole theme with their music. Blending vintage sound, equipment and influences with an artistic vision that’s somehow retro yet very forward-facing. The appeal of this EP stretches beyond purists—there’s something for anyone with a head and appreciates soulful, analogue-driven music from the heart.
