Cosmic Rhythm take us to the Pleasure Zone

Top-quality deep house from Italy’s deep South

It's no secret that Italy is endowed with something special when it comes to the underground musical output produced in the peninsula. Whether it's the Mediterranean waters that lap the vast shoreline, the warm sun that radiates over the long summers, or some other undefined disco juju that courses through the mountainous interior, Italy has got it.

The influence that the refined end of the Italo disco sound had on the early house pioneers from Detroit and Chicago represents something special in the dance music canon, with the likes of Tulio de Piscopo, Pino Presti, Kano, Kasso just a few names on a seemingly endless list who's work is acknowledged as informing their contemporaries from across the Atlantic.

So, when it comes to authentic-sounding house music, it's refreshing to know that the grass-roots movement in Italy is just as strong as the new-wave of disco producers firing out golden bullets over the last few years.

A fine example of a locally based label whose output seems aimed squarely at keeping the fire burning for bona fide deep house music – with an emphasis on quality and warm production – is Bari-based Cosmic Rhythm. With a catalogue including music from true legends of the scene, including Don Carlos, Glenn Underground, Trinidadian Deep and others, the label has found fans in the shape of Fred P, Jacques Renault, DJ Rocca and Rudolf C.

On this release, Bari native Michele 'Rhythm Of Paradise' Lamacchia offers four perfectly assembled cuts with a respectfully retrospective feel. 'Pleasure zone' strolls like a waking dream over a square wave bass and fizzing hats. The warm pads of 'Bring The Back' sound as if designed to usher in the sunrise over the Adriatic, while the aptly named 'Pieces of A Dream' glides through abstract chord progressions.

Our pick to play you here is the most energetic from the release. 'In My Mind' fills the soundscape with its staccato synth melody, floating pads and spacey textures, as the heavy bass and lively percussion drive the groove. Deep, refined and a sure thing to move the dance floor.

Rhythm Of Paradise ‘Pleasure Zone’ is out now, you can buy it here