The original version of Roberto Rodriguez and Manolo’s “Amalfi Drive” came out in 2021 and was a lovely piece of slightly ramshackle cosmic disco: a lengthy, chugging, gauzy, narcotic affair that came with hippie flutes, big synthetic string washes, a “What Does Your Soul Look Like”-esque organ break and vaguely Italo-flavour synth burblings.

You get it as part of this two-track release along with a new remix from producer and DJ Manuel Costela (also Bucketround and 2phonic Recordings label boss). Costela ups the tempo from the original’s sleepy 105 BPM to a more strident 111, adds layers of percussion — love the cowbell — and substantially beefs up the low end, giving a straight 4/4 kick drum and chunky arpeggiated Moog-y b-line lots of space in the mix. His remix starts out clean with the drum and bass locked in like one of Ray Mang’s super-smooth mid-tempo disco-house tracks, and by the final breakdown several minutes later, the whole thing has warped into a faintly ecstatic sophisto-cosmic-disco workout. A quality mid-tempo room-lifter.

⚪️ Amalfi Drive Tracklisting

Manolo: Amalfi Drive (Manuel Costela Remix) (Rare Wiri / Digital)
1. Amalfi Drive (07:54)
2. Amalfi Drive (Manuel Costela Remix) (08:20)

⚪️ Disclosure Statement

This record was not submitted as a promo.

Subscribe

5 Mag Issue 218
Out Now

MOVE! Originally published in 5 Mag Issue #218 featuring Detroit’s ambassador-at-large, Mike Agent X Clark, plus Mystic Freaks, DJ Slugo and more. Become a member for $2/month and get every issue in your inbox right now…