Alex Puddu’s latest release, “Deliria”, is a time machine set to the synth-laden, neon-soaked days of the 1980s. A tribute to Italo Disco and sultry electric funk, “Deliria” dives deep into the soundscapes that dominated European dancefloors, conjuring nostalgia for an era of infectious melodies, pulsating beats, and irresistibly cheesy yet charming hooks. For fans of the genre, this album is both a love letter to the past and a fresh take on retro rhythms.
Puddu, an established italian multiinstrumentalist and composer known for his cinematic and soul-infused projects, seems to revel in Deliria’s carefree embrace of the Italo Disco and funk aesthetic. From the album’s glossy production to its shimmering synthesizers and punchy drum machines, there’s a sense of playful homage throughout. The influence of arists like Giorgio Moroder, Cerrone, Pino D’Angiò, and other disco titans is undeniable, but Puddu adds his own signature flair, making the album feel authentic and fresh.
Tracks like “Texas Blonde” and “Champagne e Giochi di Coppia“ sparkle with classic Italo Disco energy—buoyant, escapist, and brimming with that unmistakable mix of romantic melancholy and upbeat euphoria. The production is lush, full of crisp hi-hats and deep basslines that immediately transport listeners to dimly lit discotheques. Puddu understands the magic of repetition and hooks, and many tracks on “Deliria” feel like they could have easily scored the soundtrack to a forgotten ‘80s movie.
In songs like “Pullover Grigio,” the dreamy, slightly distant vocals drift effortlessly over glittering synths, capturing the wistfulness and yearning typical of the genre. It’s as if Puddu is communicating a longing for a world where everything sparkles a little brighter under the strobe lights.
What makes “Deliria” particularly noteworthy is Puddu’s ability to balance nostalgia with innovation. Puddu incorporates modern production techniques to give the album a crispness and polish that wouldn’t have been possible in the heyday of Italo Disco. This seamless fusion of analog warmth and digital precision makes “Deliria” stand out.
In “Deliria”, Puddu has crafted a shimmering, euphoric dance record that captures the essence of Italo Disco and Funk while bringing it into the present day. With its heart set firmly in the ‘80s, the album is a neon-lit, sonic escape that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re spinning vinyl in a retro club or streaming in your living room, “Deliria” provides the perfect soundtrack for dancing through the night. Che bellezza di album!
