A quietly vital presence in Italy’s underground electronic scene, Nicola Penna — better known under a constellation of aliases including Future Jazz Ensemble, Nico Disco, and Nasty Boy — returns with a new chapter under his NBI moniker: Alphawaves, a four-track EP of introspective, deeply musical club material on Burnin Music.
Drawing on the dreamlike textures of early Italian deep house and the emotive pulse of Larry Heard’s productions, Alphawaves is an ode to mood and movement. Each track feels spiritually guided — a reflection of Penna’s rare craftsmanship as a multi-instrumentalist, and a welcome deviation from over-quantized electronic music.
These aren’t just club tracks; they are meditations in rhythm. Opening with lush pads, loose percussion, and warm basslines that recall the golden age of Italian Dream House, the EP also carries a timeless, soulful energy found in Penna’s previous work for labels like Sähkö, Native Tongue, and Ten Lovers Music. The tracks unfold patiently, inviting dancers and listeners alike into a space that feels both intimate and cosmic.
Despite a discography that spans over a decade and several underground classics, Penna remains something of a well-kept secret. Alphawaves is a perfect entry point into his world — understated yet powerful, rich in detail, and impossible to pin down. At once nostalgic and futuristic, this is house music with a human touch.
Essential listening for fans of Larry Heard, Don Carlos, or anything that blurs the lines between ambient, jazz, and deep house.