Eric Demuro: Simulacra

Consider a surge of interest in Mediterranean jazz-funk and grooves, built on the Neapolitan nightclub scene and championed by the likes of Nu Genea and labels such as Early Sounds Recordings. Simulacra is a worthy addition to this oeuvre. A Venetian bassist and producer, Eric Demuro has studied formally in New York, spent time working with Swiss pianist Nik Bärtsch, and in Berlin's Gifted Culture collective, where the modus operandi is "explorative cross-genre records with a spiritual electronics vibe." A spot-on description of the overall mood of Demuro's sun-drenched debut.

The album kicks off with "Freedom Layers (Pilchard Rounds)," where a languid yet funky bass line and marimba pulses move into more cosmic keys, the sound becoming tougher as it progresses. "Aca Macao," a reference to the brightly coloured forest-dwelling bird, is the most up- tempo number with stabbing washes of synths and happy flute. This is one for the dancers, a joyous floor-filler. "Dreamsteam" is a short reflective piece with no bass. It could have been lifted straight from a library music album released in the late '70s. Suitable for space-age scene setting. The longest track on the album, "Railroad Ties," is Sade-esque in nature but with flute and vibes instead of vocals. Perfect for the poolside—listening not snoozing. It becomes more dramatic over time, settling down with keys. "Backlash Off The Grid" is intense and complex but still grooves. It is worth calling out the multiple players here and across the album; this is not a solo effort. Szabolcs "Àbáse" Bognár, the Hungarian producer and keyboardist, has released albums in his own right. Fanni Zahár on flute has recorded with many others, and Ed Longo is a noted engineer based in Berlin, having worked on several key releases of a similar style. So a suitable close to the album is the abstract percussive trance of "Hau," a Māori concept of community, a gift passing from one hand to another.

This is a short album, just over half an hour in length, but It would not be surprising if the listener goes straight back to the beginning for another dive in. This is a vibe to be savored repeatedly.