Disco/Nu-Disco charts

Review: Skatebard and Lauer are Trollkraft, a sure-to-be iconic Norwegian-German partnership that has a famous love of synths and have already put out vast reserves of quality sounds across various styles. Here their collaboration gives rise to a pair of electrifying cuts. The title track features rich drum layers, lush strings and a throbbing bass undercurrent which has elements of disco, house, indie and Italo all adding to its charm. 'One Night In Geilo' channels 90s house rhythms with a brilliant two-stepping melody that smartly reimagines rave with playful, effervescent energy. These two wizards bring great character to this music with strobe lights, bongos, and trance all making for a full on heart-of-the-party experience doused in euphoria.

Review: Next up on Bordello A Parigi is the prolific Kirill Junolainen under his Konerytmi alias with a four-track EP bridging disco, Italo, synth pop and wave. The title track is an emotive analogue ride full of glittering synths and distant melancholy, and is followed by the icy electro of 'Klassikkoelokuva' with crisp claps and bending basslines. On the flip, 'Hirvijarvi' takes a slow, sci-fi-inspired journey through spacey synths and probing percussion. Closing cut 'Uusiaalto' blends computer chirps, soaring strings and fractured drums for a bold yet fragile finish. It makes for a colourful showcase of Konerytmi's breadth and is melodic, mysterious and unmistakably good.

Review: Alektra is a new project featuring the combined talents of long-serving European nu-disco and house hero Daniel Monaco and rising star John Noseda. As debut singles go, 'Shake Your Body' is a genuine treat - a throbbing, high-octane trip into mid 1980s Hi-NRG hedonism rich in sequenced, arpeggio-style bass, heavy machine drums, razor-sharp synth riffs, glassy-eyed female vocal samples and oodles of sweat-soaked male muscularity. It's basically a peak-time dancefloor anthem in the making. As well as the original mix (side A), we're also treated to a handy instrumental take shorn of the distinctive female vocal samples, and an effects-laden acapella for DJs who like to get imaginative in the mix

Review: Amsterdam's Bordello a Parigi's ongoing Diamonds In The Night series has not only proved to be a reliable source of new - if authentically old sounding - Italo-disco, Hi-NRG and proto-Eurodance, but also a brilliant platform for new and up-and-coming artists. Volume seven in the series is another strong offering. It begins with the tops-off, melody-driven Hi-NRG joy of Tallac's 'Chemtrail Surfers' and concludes with the vocoder-heavy early morning dark bew wavce disco of 'Disco Homicide' by Hypersensitive. Sandwiched in between you'll find the tough, throbbing, strobe-lit and sweat-soaked hedonism of Luksek's 'Tropicale' and the Bobby Orlando and early Pet Shop Boys influenced excellence of 'That Moment' by Francesco Cascella.

Review: Antoni Maiovvi flaunts an aerated, sunspotty sound on 'Knights of New Haven', blending Ned West Coast influences and US machine music. 'Later Not Lately' pulses with light kicks and ruffling hi-hats, echoing Chicago house and flavoursome tech trance; Legowelt (Danny Wolfers) reimagines it with serrated snares and a gritty TB-303 bassline. 'Slack Blabbath' weaves staggered synths and sharp percussion, and closer 'The Madness In The Method' swirls static-laced drums around eerire bass, balancing Maiovvi's horror-disco roots with bold house rhythms. This EP is a dark, driving, and grand fusion of electronic styles, veering increasingly crushy and redux-happy. Legowelt's snare is especially oomphy, and the closer's synths especially brooding.

Review: Anbau's debut on Bordello with a Giro d'Italia themed EP pays homage to the legendary riders of the race, notably the late Marco Pantani. Coinciding with the 108th edition of La Corsa Rosa, celebrates Pantani's iconic victory at Passo del Mortirolo in 1994. Inspired by disco and nu-disco, the tracks exude energy and rhythm reminiscent of the exhilarating atmosphere of the race. Each copy includes a limited edition sleeve adorned with a rare original Merlin collector's sticker from the 78th Giro in 1995, adding a unique touch to the release. With its blend of disco house and Italo disco, Anbau's EP is a vibrant tribute to the passion and determination of Giro d'Italia's heroic riders.

Review: Ichisan is back on the dazzling disco outlet Bordello A Parigi with more soulful house blends. The Slovenian producer mixes up clean electro lines and smoky disco grooves here as bold percussion sets the stage for melodic keyboard curves and throaty basslines while cosmic elements bloom throughout this nine-minute journey. 'Rodeo Disko' features off-kilter keys that evolve into solid strings with funky bubbles and distant vocoder echoes. 'Saturnus' is a bright Italo-tinged sound with lovely arps that constantly tumble over the lively beats and 'Fujirama ' features droplets of drums built into a racing rhythm next to spiralling synths and a thick, calming bassline.

Review: Who doesn't love an obscure and hi NRG disco stomper from the mid-nineties? This one's been unearthed by the Bordello A Parigi crew and it was produced by the one and only Bobby Orlando. It has glistening disco arps and throwback drum machine sounds powering it along with a great female vocal singing lines like 'You can watch them making love on video.' The opening Digital Mix is the best for us but the V&S cut gets a little more pumping for the peak time so will also come in handy.

Review: Stockholm exports Elfenberg find themselves on Bordello here with four cuts of mind-expanding and life-enriching synth goodness. The skilled duo kick off with the high-speed arps and tight kicks of the retro-future smoother 'Forever Alone' then slow things down to a more Balearic and breezy vibe on 'Conga Coronation' with its finger clicks and lush pads. There is soft acid magic at the heart of 'Sphere Of Missing Out' while 'Cosmic Tribune' lulls you into a nice widescreen cosmic world of tumbling chord sequences and warped bass.

Review: Antoni Maiovvi's latest synth EP 'Birds of Paradise' is a dark, brooding release that draws inspiration from classic horror soundtracks, avian themes and early synthwave. Like something between an 80s title theme for the mothman and a modernist fever dream for automobiles taking flight, each track here is named after a quirkily-named bird, whether that be the Quetzal or the Streamertail. In keeping with the thermal-riding and soaring feel of the music, every track contains subtle birdsong as its texture, not to mention beautifully danceable yet minimal melodies.

Review: Since making his debut in 2019 via 'Koi Jaye' - a stunning edit of a little-known Punjabi take on throbbing, Moroder inspired electronic disco - Tjade has delivered a handful of 'must-check' releases that showcase the growing quality of his throbbing, Italo and Hi-NRG-influenced original. The Voyager EP, his latest effort, may well be his strongest collection of cuts to date. For proof, check 'Voyager', a kaleidoscopic, synth-heavy stomper that channels the spirt of Hi-NRG and early trance and comes backed with a stomping techno-trance rework courtesy of Marlon Hoffstadt AKA DJ Trance. Elsewhere, 'Shut Out' sees him add 90s trance style melodies and synth sounds to a punchy breakbeat groove, while 'In Contact' is a throbbing Hi-NRG workout blessed with deliciously cheery electronic lead lines.

Review: For those seeking neo-Italo-disco and synth-heavy dancefloor sleaze, Bordello a Parigi's 'Diamonds in the Night' series has long been a must-check affair. Naturally, there's plenty more previously unreleased gold to be found on the latest edition, volume six. Club Mayz kick things off with 'Fantasy In This Uncaring Void', a cheery, all-action affair that sounds like a long-lost early 90s synth-pop/Italo-disco instrumental, before Bizarre Billy and James Rod doff a cap to Bobby Orlando's productions for the Flirts on the superb 'El Caparon Patron'. Turn to the flip for 'Non Dimenticarmi' by Ricardo Baez, a throbbing and melody-rich slab of Hi-NRG revivalism and the intergalactic excellence of 'Interzone' by Seth Booth.

Review: Figi and Luca dell'Orso are Dutch electronic talents who offer up a heartfelt tribute to the vocoder here, long after it has become the iconic voice of electro disco. Across the three well-designed tracks, the duo blends sharp production with lush textures and bittersweet robotic vocals that add an unmistakably retro-future feel. The title track kicks off with rumbling bass and crisp percussion driving it along as vocodered lyrics glide over the shimmering keys. 'Fire with Fire' leans into Luca dell'Orso's more emotive side and balances bold synths with a melancholic undertone. Figi closes with 'Moonlight (Vocoder Version),' a syrupy disco tale of love told through vocoded whispers. It's a timeless celebration of the fusion between man and machine.

Review: Doctr's third trip to Bordello A Parigi delivers another gem with 'Now You Can Fly'. This time, he's teamed up with Julia to create two tracks brimming with peak-time energy and infectious rhythms. The title track is a burst of hi-NRG euphoria. Doctr expertly layers bending synths and sharp stabs over relentless beats, all while Julia's vocals add a soulful edge. There's a sense of anticipation in the air, each key change lifting the track to new heights. As the vocals weave in and out, the uplifting melodies build a strong synergy, creating a seamless blend of emotional depth and dancefloor power. On the flip, 'Now You Can Fly' takes a different approach. The vocals are stripped back, allowing the track's instrumental elements to shine. Sun-soaked synth lines float effortlessly above calypso-tinged percussion, creating a summery vibe that's both breezy and energising. The contrast between the two versions is striking, with the instrumental allowing the track's deeper textures and melodic layers to take centre stage. Doctr's latest offering is a masterclass in how to craft uplifting, feel-good music that doesn't sacrifice depth for accessibility. Whether it's the vocal-driven euphoria of the A-side or the more understated warmth of the flip, 'Now You Can Fly' is a testament to his ability to create tracks that resonate on multiple levels - exactly what the doctor ordered.

Review: Alberto Melloni is back on one of his home labels with a four-tracker that blends his signature mix of disco, house and Italo. The title track sets the mood with steady kicks and shimmering hi-hats topped with a rich piano melody that makes for a nice dynamic and atmospheric escape. 'Promised Land 'takes a darker turn with sharp beats and pulsating synth stabs in a late-night groove then 'Paradise Pie' layers sun-kissed chords with textured percussion and acid-tinged undertones. Closing the EP in style, 'Only You' brings a funk-infused finale with smoky vocals, vocoder effects and shimmering mirrorball energy that reflect Melloni's playful musical universe.

Review: Martin Matiske is back on the ever-excellent Bordello A Parigi with his third release with the label - and it is of course another doozy. This intergalactic journey is guided by intergalactic synths and showcases Matiske's distinctive blend of cold currents and warm melodies. The title track is a delicate yet bold composition with shifting key changes and astral washes as well as some cute romantic flourishes. 'Cuore' is an analogue space opera rich in harmonic complexity and 'Heaven Knows' offsets glacial chords and deep bass. The EP closes with a cinematic finale where striking synths and subtle rhythms collide in beautiful ways.

Review: Ruben Benabou marks out and identifies another sonic constellation; this is a rapid indie trance-dance four-tracker of galactic ambition and scale. Drawing inspiration from sci-fi soundtracks, and the warmer currents of electro, leaders 'Message To Nowhere' and 'Words In A Void' also recall the gladdened awe of space disco, with twinging leads skirting about the stereo like passing shooting stars. The Hacker's version of the title track plays back like an 8-bit minigame version of the main mission, with its pocket-generated drums, while 'A Thousand Nights' is a prime exercise in retro synthwave, and the perfect closer.

Review: The three man group that is Leitstrahl aka members Stoff, Paul Raal and Boogaloo Steve, are back with more disco infused brilliance on Bordello A Parigi, this time alongside Alberto Melloni. Presumably the title of this Azimuth EP is a nod to its influences aka the cult and much loved Brazillian jazz-funk outfit, Azimuth. The label's own Furor Exotica helps on the first track, which is the Dee D. Jackson inspired 'Automaton Lover' with its big disco sounds and bombastic beats. The title tune then has a super addictive melody and inviting instrumental while there are thick basslines to 'Spectral Fantasy' complete with smoky lyrics from Vongold, The smooth finale is 'Light Years' with its rich lounge vibes.

Review: Rome's Andy Romano is welcomed into the Bordello family with his long-awaited debut release, 'Monday'. The tracks it consists of were shelved for more than ten years, said to have floated between a handful of DJs after its first confidant, Andrea Confrancesco, chose a different path in his creative career by becoming a professional illustrator. An excellent example of naive, nigh-lo-fi new beat, but no less punchy and galactic, 'Monday', 'Loredane' and 'Cyber Black Spaceship' are a veritable trident of watery, retrofuturistic, catchy wonderment.

Review: Middlesborough musician Rees impressed with his last outing on the Bordello A Parigi label: 'Three Eyes' was a real dancefloor gem which he now follows up with three more gems that showcase the artist's eclectic style and versatile skills. 'Dream Wave' is a bright, busy, intense cut with glistening synths front and centre, dancing about a crunchy and rigid rhythm while 'The New Beat' ups the ante with eerie arps leading the way as more metallic drum sounds clatter away below. Last of all is 'Electric Body' which is awash with more incisive synths and guitar lines, all with a hypotonic lead synth and new wave techno drums powering it along.

Review: Francesco Strippoli (Armonica) returns to Bordello A Parigi, following up his first two wonderfully refreshing and true-to-form Italodance EPs for a third, 'Future Echoes'. Indeed, reinterpretations of classic sounds can function as messages from the future as well as versions of the past. With cuts like 'Floating On High', a bulbous, buzzing, repetitious enjoyment is heard overflowing from a single stylistic source, every element bursting forth from its root. Offbeat bass licks double up as forward-driving donks on the likes of 'Retrospectiva' and 'Music And Lights', while the slick, coruscating synth twangs on the title track make do with 16th note repetitions that evoke the ecstatic feeling of urban mobility, each step matching the feeling of climbing higher and higher.

Review: Hey Cabrera! brings the heat with Italo Void, a vibrant fusion of electro disco, Italo, and house that embodies the essence of summer. Clean drum patterns lay the foundation, complemented by captivating melodies that shimmer throughout the track. Lauer's remix adds an analogue touch with piano keys, infusing a sense of late-night romance. On the flip side, 'Forelskelse' transports listeners to Scandinavia, blending disco and house elements to create an uplifting atmosphere filled with emotive energy. David Bay's remix of 'Forelskelse' offers a measured yet addictive rendition, allowing the instruments to shine while retaining the essence of the original. Together, these tracks comprise a mesmerising soundtrack for the approaching summer season, promising nights filled with dancefloor joy and unexplored passions.

Review: Army of God's 'Salvation'' back in 2012 soon became a cult coldwave cut. It was the one and only release by the pair of Aroy Dee and Miss Jagroe... until now. More than ten years on they are back with 'Endless Skies' which is a new EP full of analogue warmth, signature synth designs and aching strings. Of course, Jagroe's unique voice features and brings extra allure to the beats. Aroy Dee steps up with an edit of the title cut and lays in some more form drums and pairs back the vocals to make things even darker. On the flip you'll find the throbbing bass and off-kilter keys of 'Fear the Night' with a dark version going even more into the shady unknown.

Review: You always know that any new 12" from Bordello A Parigi is going to come doused in electric synth work and bright melodies. Voodoos & Taboos do just that on this retro-future new outing, the Reversible Dream EP. The title cut races out of the blocks, awash with glassy pads and prickly percussive grooves, robot vocals and raw beats. 'Unconditional Love' rides on more lush arps, this time with a slightly more melancholic feel. 'Animae' is a stomping disco-house workout with angular beats and prying leads and 'Destino Lontano' closes out with a brilliantly psychedelic comedown sound perfect for after the rave.

Review: Bringing melodies, percussions and textures of the sort which we never thought bringable to techno, Saudi-Irish artist Moving Still wows with his latest EP for Bordello A Parigi. This is an artist whose Pangaean taste spans a wide range, born of both musicality and maturation between nations. The distinctive hum of bedouin traditional music intermixed with notes of Irish reel and abound notably on 'Close To The Shams', where melo-maniacal motifs of each are blurred. 'Bang Of Luban' brings breaksy 4x4s and acids to longing synth reeds that bear a quick glissando, and the titular 'Zaman' of course steals the show with its happy, homegrown metallic percs, against which a cheeky mizmar melody makes do against solar blankets of emotion.

Review: Alan Strani is back on Bordello to have the superb title cut from his recent Apocalypso remixed by a top team of producers in I:Cube, Lauer and In Flagranti while he also adds his own new spin. The San Bernardo Superstrada Version is a glorious one with heady Italo synth work and subtle strings lighting up the retro-future electronic disco grooves. I:Cube brings more depth and weight to his house learning version while Laur goes for a blissed-out chugger that will get your head amongst the stars. Last of all is the In Flagranti Remix Dub with nice loose percussion and soothing chord work.