Quiroga works the Napoli funk elixir on 'Chords and Desire'

The Really Swing label boss shows cosmic class on five-track EP

The secret has long been out that there's something in the water, soil, or fabric of the sun-kissed shores of Napoli. Whatever the mystery source may be, something very special permeating from the territory has helped to endow the many mutant jazz, funk and disco players of the locality to produce a near-constant stream of Italo-flecked musical bounty in recent years. If I had to hazard a guess, I would suggest that it has something to do with residual volcanic dust from Mount Vesuvius, but whatever it is, it's clearly showing no signs of diminishing.

Local resident Walter 'Quiroga' Del Vecchio is one such artist who clearly has access to the Napoli funk elixir. With releases under his belt on labels including Hell Yeah, Irma, and Cactus Island, he's repeatedly delivered cosmically-charged music that's both rich in musicality and embodied with enough deviant personality to add suitable edge. This time returning to action on his very own Really Swing label, Quiroga follows up on last years 'Passages' album with his latest offering, 'Chords and Desire'.

'Dabbler In Love' is a retro-tinged slice of airy jazz-funk that stares directly towards the stars as twinkling keys meander playfully over heavy bass. The driving chords of 'Kundabuffer' march purposefully over a solid groove before delicate synths lift the mood, while the introspective musings on 'Villa Lysis' allow an opportunity for horizon-gazing reflection. 'Drum 'N' Bass For Papa' offers exactly what the title suggests, an up-tempo dnb rhythm providing the bed for hyperactive bass and jazz licks. This is one for seasoned ravers who perhaps find themselves too fragile for clubbing these days.

While all of the music is excellent, 'Snaporaz' makes the preview cut here, simply because it adds a weighted dance floor energy to the undeniable cosmic flavour of the EP. The infectious synth hook rides over a full-bodied kick drum and lively bass as lush chords and space-age pads fill the sonic landscape.

Quiroga 'Chords and Desire' is out now on Really Swing. You can listen and buy it here