Space Echo Records present ‘Room’, the debut LP from ANAN, the musical brainchild of DJs Roberto Agosta and Massimo Napoli (Galathea). 

Catanian DJ and producer Napoli, known for his work with Space Echo (including Agosta’s self-titled debut, the recent Remixes album, and releases under the moniker Galathea), has been a significant figure in the Etna clubbing scene since the late 1990s. Alongside artists, crews, clubs, parties, and festivals, Napoli represents one of the key names in nightlife culture for fans and enthusiasts alike.

Room was born almost unintentionally, emerging from an exchange of ideas while both Napoli and Agosta were working on their respective albums. The result highlights the distinct personalities of both artists. In this album, Napoli’s sunny side intertwines with Agosta’s darker tones, forming a unique and compelling combination.

The album draws heavily from a wide range of musical traditions, with a strong sense of groove and emotional depth. ANAN’s sound transports listeners on a dreamlike journey, infused with the fragrances of jazz, the rhythms of funk, and various global influences. Elements of abstract hip-hop and house are woven together with psychedelic flourishes, evoking imaginary soundtracks for unseen films projected into the cosmos.

Room also incorporates contemporary sounds from the past two decades, reimagined with a deeply personal touch. The contrasting landscapes of Etna’s rugged mountains and the gentle embrace of the Mediterranean Sea are palpable throughout the record. Collaborations with Salvo Dub (aka GO.SOUL.MAP, another Space Echo artist and a leading name in Catania’s music scene) and The Invisible Session further enrich the album’s sonic tapestry

This record captivates with its aesthetic sensitivity and expressive maturity. Every musical idea—whether it stems from a sample, a single note, or a passing suggestion—is layered and interwoven to create complex yet accessible textures. While intricate at times, the melodies possess a depth and richness that latch onto the listener, inviting them into its world.

A predominantly nocturnal listening experience, Room still offers moments of dancefloor energy. It evokes vivid imagery and sensations: in “Back,” the ethio-jazz influences of Mulatu Astatke meet the spirit of Ravi Shankar’s India; “Naif” conjures a refined yet carnal dancefloor resonance reminiscent of Frédéric Galliano’s Frikyiwa; and “Call” sends cumbia into orbit, oscillating through dub echo chambers and delicate piano refrains.

Tracks like “Anan” deliver a minimal jazz aesthetic, while “Lola” embraces a psychedelic and funky jazz sound, evoking the spirit of vintage Italian film scores—a treat for fans of Crippled Dick Hot Wax. The organic soundscapes of “Zoom” and the percussive fervor of “Etna” build further upon the album’s immersive nature, while “Eden” and “Noir” provide a fittingly introspective conclusion to this captivating sonic voyage.