Classic Italo house influences meet modern deep house sensibilities on this warm, groove-heavy return for Steamy Pizza Box.
Milan’s Valerio Vaudano has quietly built an impressive catalogue over recent years through labels such as Soulphuric Deep and Cinthie’s respected 808 Crystal Grooves imprint. Yet for many followers, the real story here is the return of his own Steamy Pizza Box label, which springs back to life with Diggin’ In My Soul EP, a five-track collection packed with nostalgic house flavours and genuine dancefloor character.
Opening cut The Sax Is Mine immediately sets the tone. Drawing inspiration from the golden age of early 90s Italo house, Vaudano delivers a bumping groove powered by punchy drums, infectious energy and, as the title suggests, saxophone elements that add warmth and personality. It’s a track that feels lovingly rooted in house music’s past without sounding trapped by it.
Awww Get pushes deeper into late-night territory. Elastic basslines, fizzing synth textures and carefully placed vocal snippets combine to create a groove that feels both nostalgic and fresh. There is a distinct after-hours atmosphere running through the track, recalling the days when house music was as much about mood and emotion as it was peak-time impact.
The title track, Diggin’ In My Soul, is arguably the EP’s standout moment. Deep, dreamy and effortlessly soulful, it captures the romantic side of house music beautifully. Warm chords drift through the mix while the groove rolls steadily underneath, creating a track that feels equally suited to sunrise sessions, intimate dancefloors or home listening.
Things become more playful on Nylon Feelings, where Vaudano introduces organ-driven acid house elements into the equation. The result is a lively jackin’ workout that balances classic Chicago influences with Mediterranean warmth. It’s energetic without becoming aggressive, retaining the musicality that runs throughout the release.
Closing things out is a useful Nylon Feelings Clapapella, a stripped-back DJ tool that offers plenty of creative possibilities for selectors looking to add extra percussion and movement into their sets.
What makes Diggin’ In My Soul EP particularly enjoyable is its authenticity. Vaudano isn’t chasing trends or attempting to reinvent house music. Instead, he draws on the sounds and emotions that made so many people fall in love with the genre in the first place. The Italo influences are clear, but they’re blended naturally with deep house, acid and soulful elements to create something that feels personal rather than purely nostalgic.
A welcome return for Steamy Pizza Box and another reminder that some of the most satisfying house music still comes from producers who understand the genre’s roots while keeping one eye firmly on the dancefloor.
Release Date: 5 June 2026, pre order here.
Label: Steamy Pizza Box
Format: 12″ Vinyl