Various Artists – Talking About EP

Fresh Cream Records continues an ambitious pace with their fifteenth release, the Talking About EP. It’s a diverse compilation, quite varied in sound, featuring the talents of Ru.DiJ, Max Ferrante, Achille Lombardi, and vocalist D’Layna.

Kicking things off, Ru.DiJ constructs “You Can Do It”, a driving tech-influenced track perfect for the terrace and with just the right touch of house piano chords. It also features the empowering diva vocals of D’Layna. Producer Ru.DiJ grew up where Italian club culture was born, in the famous Riccione township, while D’Layna has made her name as a vocalist and songwriter with a focus on uplifting the spirits of club revelers. She’s done so on collaborations with some of the world’s most renowned DJs, a list that includes Sandy Rivera (KOT), Julius Papp, and Oscar P.

Doing as the Romans do, Max Ferrante divides and conquers this EP with two roles as both solo producer and vocal provider. Max has, over a decade, worked as a DJ at some of Italy’s best clubs, playing alongside top house artists like David Morales and Dennis Ferrer. Working alone on “LoL”, he lays down a funky bass line accompanied by softer guitar plucks and deep, melodic keys. It winds up with a lighthearted Parisian beach summer getaway feel. Together with Simil Masiano, Max shows his vocal side on “Amazing.” The track features a pep-in-the-step vibe sure to make dancers flood the boogie zone.

To finish the EP, Achille Lombardi introduces the most eclectic sounds of the release. The Castrovillari born son of a radio announcer credits his father with helping spark his exploration of music. Somehow, it’s all culminated in “Maria”. Tribal in a folk sense, the song stomps along beneath vocal chants with hard to place string instruments, finding its energy in high pitched pings.