Cure that summertime sadness with this “Techno Romance” EP of modern Balearic bliss from Monaco.
POV: It finally happened. You worked your ass off and saved up for that Mediterranean getaway you’ve been dreaming of with charming coastline villas, endless sunsets, the scent of sea spray, and the crisp taste of chilled wine. Somehow, after all the chaos of the past few years, through the ups and downs of post-pandemic life, you’re still here. You made it.
As the sun sets on your stroll back to your flat, you hear a bumping beat and see strobing lights emanating from an alley in the opposite direction you intended to go. Curiously, yet cautiously, you approach. As you reach the passageway, several giggling, sequin-clad figures dart past you into a courtyard filled with people groovin’ to Monaco spinning his “Techno Romance” EP and debut on Hot Haus Recs.
Returning to the essentials with this release, Monaco delivers some raw yet playful hi-NRG House music. “Techno Romance” kicks the party off with a pounding kick drum, open hi-hat, and a 1-bar piano loop that builds energy for a minute before the drums drop out and the piano loop evolves into a bittersweet melody. There’s something deeply nostalgic yet fresh about this track… It feels like a banging club classic from a summer spent raving on the Balearic islands in 1994—or 2024.
Taking a bit of a turn, “Melodic Reasons” rides off into the night with Monaco tweaking the envelope on a syncopated brassy arpeggio, making it dance around a shuffling drum groove and rumbling sub in the low end. Stuttering samples, reese bass, and pounding percussion is the move on “Warehouse Days”, reminiscent of the more energetic strains of feel-good house coming from the likes of DJ Boring, Mall Grab, and now add Monaco to the list.
Each track is catchy enough to hum along to, a hallmark of a solid hook, making it definitely worth exploring more of Monaco’s tracks and his much buzzed-about residency on RinseFM if this release resonates with you.
Is that essential summer jams playlist in need of some new action?
Stop swiping. Monaco is out here serving some hot “Techno Romance”.
-Alex Dahm
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