Melodj Mecca: Stump Valley's atmospheric ode to an Italo cosmic jewel

The secretive duo deliver an evocative tribute via Soul Clap Records

Enigmatic production duo Stump Valley arrive on Soul Clap Records with an adoring ode to one of the Italian cosmic movement's most iconic venues.

Opened in 1981, legendary Rimini club Melody Mecca was a shrine to the Afro-cosmic sound blossoming on the Romagna Riviera at that time – thanks in no small part to the inspired musical alchemy crafted by its resident DJs, Pery and Meo. Devotees of the intoxicating globally-focused sound routinely made the pilgrimage to La Mecca's gyrating floor, celebrating life through joyous dance beneath the venue's bright yellow tarpaulin roof. Stump Valley's musical lineage journeys deep into the club's signature sound, and – following 2015's 'Magica Movida' long-player – the 'Melodj Mecca' EP represents the second chapter of their tribute to this most magical of eras.

The mysterious Italian duo have tended to favour a slow but sure production output, with their previous material arriving at varying intervals on Jordash's Off Minor label, Uzuri, Rush Hour's No label project, and most recently via Dekmantel. The duo are endowed with a flair for composing quirky, infectious hooks over a sound that elegantly blends Italo house and disco textures with saucer-eyed sparkle and a subtly contemporary gloss. This alluring aesthetic extends deep into their new release, with four original tracks providing a respectful salvo to the past masters of the sound.

The bumping bass and lush chords of opening track 'Riviera' embody the life-affirming essence of vintage Italo-meets-Detroit house, with Diviniti's distinctive vocals effortlessly embellishing the cut with an unmistakable motor city gleam. The atmosphere shifts to the golden haze of a sun-kissed Adriatic meditation on 'Melodj Mecca', with its meandering keys, cosmically-charmed chords and soul-soothing tempo. On the flip, the heavy percussion of 'Mascalzone Latino' sets a dramatic tone before the characteristically idiosyncratic lead synth dominates the mood as it glides over a velvet bassline. Finally, the proto-house chug of 'Sogno D'amore' sees the EP home with airy keys dancing playfully over deeply-rooted bass, pounding kick and agile hats.

Stump Valley 'Melodj Mecca' is out April 9 on Soul Clap, you can buy it here