NuNorthern Soul’s Hints of Ibiza series continues with an undeniably special debut EP from LOVA AKA Italian producer Davide Lovato. Full of emotive tracks rich in picturesque chords, warming grooves and dreamy motifs, Gypsophilia is a memorable first missive from a producer who looks set to be part of the label’s family of artists for years to come.
As with other singles in NuNorthern Soul’s Hints of Ibiza series, LOVA’s Gypsophilia EP will be accompanied by specially commissioned artwork from Ibiza-based artist Helen Sadler.
+++ FRAMED PRINT FOR SALE
helensadler.bandcamp.com +++
NuNorthern Soul boss Phil Cooper discovered Davide’s music thanks to a chance encounter with the Verona-based artist in the summer of 2020 during a short break in Covid lockdowns. During one of his sets at Hostal La Torre, Davide approached the decks and asked him if he could give him a USB stick full of his music. Cooper agreed and, between tracks, had a quick listen to Lovato’s work. He was so impressed that asked the aspiring producer if he could play one of the cuts there and then.
That track was ‘Esperanza’ – in English, ‘hope’ – and it’s only fitting that it should open Davide’s first EP on NuNorthern Soul. Inspired by Ibizan sunsets and produced right at the start of the first COVID-19 lockdown in Italy in February 2020, the track sees Davide layer waves of interconnected electronic melodies, hazy chords, sparkling synthesizer sounds and ethereal female vocal samples over a languid, soft-touch groove. The track ebbs and flows attractively throughout, building towards a stunningly sunny conclusion.
‘Cecilia’, the EP’s second track, is dedicated to Davide’s baby daughter. Featuring his own emotional and impassioned vocals, the track’s immense beauty arises from a killer combination of glistening, life-affirming guitar motifs, a dubby downtempo disco groove and some seriously immersive, eyes-closed chords. Listen closely, and you’ll also hear some squelchy, acid-like electronics as the track progresses.
The EP closes with ‘Echoes of Memories’, a track that was finished just days before Davide, his partner, then carrying his unborn daughter headed out to Ibiza for what turned out to be a life-changing trip. Full to bursting with squelchy synth bass, colourful melodies (and counter melodies), undulating percussion patterns and cascading chords, it’s a mid-tempo Balearic nu-disco that’s as huggable as it is danceable. It delivers a fitting finale to a seriously impressive debut EP.