Voyaging deep into space with My Friend Dario

The Sicilian producer impresses with varied six-tracker, 'Cosmic Sailing'

We've been gently mellowing out to the sounds of Catania-based My Friend Dario since we first copped a listen to his dreamy music via the always enjoyable Hell Yeah! Recordings. Now, we don't know Dario personally, but judging by his name we imagine he's a personable fellow, and thanks to his residing on the magical island of Sicily, we like to like to think he starts the day with a morning swim in the Ionian Sea, much like our beloved crime-fighting, love-making and seafood-eating hero, Commissario Montalbano. Of course, this may very well not be the case.

What is undeniably true, though, is that he channels the essence of his ocean-side habitat to conjure exceptionally beautiful music. His new EP for NuNorthern Soul is a designed as a “musical daydream about a kaleidoscopic sea voyage into the unknown,” a description which perfectly fits the sparkling sounds contained within. The varied but coherent collection contains much to enjoy. From the blissful arps and delicate keys of opener 'Fenice', to the jagged groove, hyperactive rhythm and lush chords of 'Campagna 2', the style journeys though distant coordinates elegantly and with purpose. From the outright Negroni-sipping horizontal flavours of 'Malvasia' to the electro-flecked 'Mr Mellow', he navigates us across charming waters and scenic views throughout the trip.

Our pick to play here is the delightfully idiosyncratic 'Neve su Acireale'. Opening with a freaky arp rolling over funked-up slap bass, the track evolves constantly, taking in horn stabs, jazz guitar, soothing chords and psychedelic synth work. The music breaks down to allow room for a spectacular build-up before the drum machine bursts back into life. This is maybe two or three tracks in one, we've been lucky enough to road test it here and it sounds sublime to our ears. Top marks to My Friend Dario, we're convinced there will be plenty more to come from him

My Friend Dario 'Cosmic Sailing' is out now. You can buy it here