Over the past two decades, Soundway has been at the forefront in unearthing obscure and lost gems from all corners of the world. Through each record they put out, the London-based label is often able to fully tap into the most essential and defining music of a specific region or sub-genre. For their latest compilation, titled Ritmo Fantasía, that is certainly the case, as Venezuelan producer, DJ and record collector Trujillo (aka Andres Astorga) takes listeners on a journey through forgotten 1980s and 1990s era Balearic Spanish synth-pop, boogie and house music.

Featuring 21 incredible tracks that have been compiled over a decade’s worth of record collecting, Trujillo dives deep into some the rarest and most unique dance music to have come out of Spain during this experimental period. Even though some of the artists included on the 3xLP release went on to have notable music careers, much of the music on this brilliant compilation includes “one-off” gems that were either self-released or privately-pressed.

As with all Soundway releases, all the fine details of the release are on point, with the artwork being an original work by Yves Uro, a figurehead among the Ibiza’s party scene during the 1970s and 1980s, whose visionary poster artwork became representative of the white isle. The compilation also includes an extensive 8-page booklet featuring other exclusively licensed artwork by the artist.

Overall, this is a fascinating and superb compilation release that successfully documents a defining and exploratory chapter in Spanish dance music.

Various — ‘Ritmo Fantasía: Balearic Spanish Synth​-​Pop, Boogie and House (1982​-​1992)’
Compiled by DJ Trujillo
(Soundway)

1. Marengo – Puente De Esperanza
2. Beni Life – Amor En El Cielo
3. Silvia – Me Vas Cantidad
4. Zas – I Love My Body
5. Fernando Girão – Divorcio
6. Magia Blanca – Dejate Llevar
7. Jaume Escala – Ciutat
8. Mogambo – Dando Vueltas
9. Tango? – Tango?
10. Free Tax – Paris Babylone
11. Busy Code – Bianco
12. Ma Ritter – Flamenco Rap (In The Land Of My Dreams)
13. Scan Man – Arabian 05:51
14. Madrid Groove – Suave
15. Nsue – Rebelde Silueta
16. Isamar & Compañía – No Estas (12” Version)
17. Bianca – Tabu (Caribbean Dub)
18. Poly-C – Soy Pijo (Boite Pijo Instrumental)
19. Cuélebre – Costa Verde
20. La Guinda – Jamás Me Casaría Con Un Pirata
21. Blaumarí – Memòries

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• balearic
• Compilation
• Cosmic
• ELECTRONIC MUSIC
• leftfield