Mondo Italy レコード& CD

Review: L.U.C.A is one of the lesser-known pseudonyms of man-of-many-aliases Francesco De Bellis, who has been delivering shimmering nu-disco and Italo-influenced house jams since the late 1990s. I Semi Del Futuro, though, is a different beast to many of the Rome-based producer's releases over the last two decades. It was created with the assistance of a battery of musicians, and explores the fertile ground between hazy film soundtracks, sun-kissed Balearica, and the kind of drowsy, reinvented lounge music that was once the hallmark of Air. It's hugely enjoyable, brilliantly produced, and stacked full of the kind of atmospheric gear that will make you want to reach for something cold, fruity and alcoholic.

Review: The Running Back affiliated Mondo label is back with more impressive Balearic and chillout grooves. This follows up the tremendous compilation album; Collezione, which was released earlier this year. Label boss Francesco de Bellis aka L.U.C.A. appears with several long time collaborators such as Raiders Of The Lost Arp with the smooth astral travelling vibes of "Niagara (Rotla Version)". He then teams up with Polysick on the "Afghanistan Version" which is the smooth cruising psych-rock derivative that Psychemagik would sit up and notice. Finally it's L.U.C.A. Himself with the "Quirky Version" an intense retro house throwback in the vein of Lauer or Tuff City Kids and not being shy on the funk bass or heavy claps.