Southern Italy’s disco chameleon Giovanni Damico returns with a genre-hopping five-tracker that bridges gospel house euphoria, afro-boogie bounce and punk-funk bite.
Fresh from a run of in-demand 45s, Giovanni Damico lands back on wax with The Payback EP, a release that reinforces his reputation as one of modern disco’s most unpredictable craftsmen. Long associated with Chicago’s Star Creature orbit, Damico continues to strengthen that transatlantic handshake, fusing Southern Italian flair with Midwest bump.
Title cut ‘The Payback’ wastes no time setting the tone. Driven by punchy drums and elastic bass, it channels a gospel house energy that feels celebratory yet controlled. The groove is tight, the keys shimmer with uplift, and the arrangement builds with patience rather than overload. It is peak-time without being obvious.
‘Riding Into The Storm’ pivots into thumpier afro-boogie territory. Here, Damico leans into percussive swing and layered rhythm work, allowing the bassline to do the heavy lifting. There is a looseness to the groove that feels organic, almost jam-session in spirit, yet the mix remains crisp and club-focused.
‘LAx5’ brings a boisterous punk-funk edge. Choppy guitar licks, slap bass flourishes and raw rhythmic interplay give it a slightly rebellious snarl. It is dancefloor music with attitude, nodding to 80s funk mutations while staying firmly rooted in modern disco aesthetics.
On ‘Loud And Clear’, the low-end gets heavier and more pronounced. The groove is thicker, the drums hit with added weight, and subtle synth stabs keep tension simmering. It is a DJ tool with personality, balancing functionality and flair.
Closing cut ‘Like A Boss’ rounds things off with confident strut. Slap bass mutant motions meet bright melodic touches, delivering a track that feels tailor-made for selectors who want something playful but still powerful.
Across all five tracks, Damico’s multi-instrumental touch is evident. Nothing feels looped for the sake of it. Every bassline, every rhythmic shift and every melodic flourish carries intention. The Payback EP is living proof that the Chicago to Southern Italy disco connection is not just intact, it is thriving.
Modern disco with grit, groove and serious musicality. Pre order here.
