#44 Feat. Banner in Indie Dance

The sunshine of Andalucia has come to the Bordello. The musical magpie that is Daniel Monaco arrives with just a hint of a Spanish accent and a daring record under his arm. Known for finding the intersections of boogie, disco, italo and house, Monaco is going that bit further with Manuel Rodriguez for the Flamenca EP. Melting the percussive drive of his machines with the spirit of Southern Spain, the four tracks on offer are a journey into a sound and style that is inspiringly original. Ruffled hi-hats and smooth basslines are the foundation for the title piece. The soul of the Sierra Nevada and the warmth of Granada pour forth through Rodriguezs unparalleled performance. The claps of Chicago are reimagined as an interplay of melody and rhythm awakens; the traditions of Flamenco married with a modern groove. Talent and technique are coupled with pure passion in the intense instrumentation of Fantasia before the flip shifts with Sinteme. The culture of Italy and Spain combine, taut string plucks peppered in handclaps before the Only Bees vocals descend. Ardent, the lyrics tell of our shared humanity through the dialect of Ischitella from the southern tip of Italy. The homes of our musicians are the inspiration for the finale. Blending the decadent splendour of Napoli with the old-world romance of Granada, Rodriguezs guitar is the focus of Granapoli. Bitter-sweet, blissful and sorrowful, a lone beat wandering through the winding melody that twins these great cities. From Italy and Andalucia to Amsterdam, a 12 like few others.

Daniel Monaco, Manuel Rodriquez