Marco Ricci – Opera – (Ampispazi Recordings)

Marco Ricci’s Opera EP is the latest release from the Ampispazi label. Coming straight out of Berlin, the label, ran by Mik Santaro, clearly has an ear for the more refined and cultured sound of the spectrum if their latest is anything to go by. Refreshingly, the imprint also maintains a vehemently underground agenda, with every producer involved handpicked by Santaro and cherry-picked as ones-to-watch.

It’s a downright effective way of working for that matter too. On the title track, we’re greeted to a sprinkling of sci-fi overtones and a series of swelling synths that all work wonders when paired together. ‘’Riddle’’ is a more curious affair, with its many off-kilter vibes marking it out as the sort of stuff that’s sure to prove a winner with those in the know. ‘’Fluid’’ is a snaking, hypnotic number that neatly paves the way for Janna’s stunning, sun-kissed interpretation of the original. In all, this is really haunting but beguiling stuff.

4 out of 5

Reviewed by Ian Fleming

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