Taking inspiration from a recent stint DJing at Athens’ Burger Disco Club, on the beach, in the sun, Hardway Bros’ new EP, Nemo Point Weekend, – in the words of its press release – moves in a slightly more “Balearic” direction than usual. Where The HBs’ previous release was a set of heads down, no nonsense, stripped back club tools, here the tracks are packed with distinguishing details and hooks. 

The titular number, for example is littered with loon birds, and a modern re-imagining of “Paradise” meets “Prog” house. Leaning towards Guerrilla Records artists like D.O.P. and Spooky, and harder 90s Italian stuff, such as Mato Grosso’s Neverland. A bit of beefed-up retro rave, its relentless rumbling suddenly stopping for a burst of joyful, arms-in-the-air Joanna. 

Northern Soul Rave Patrol is slower, but heavier. Its sledgehammer banging and groovy B-line like a Belgian new beat Chicago house cover. While its synths sound like sirens, cascading keys recall Severed Heads’ A Greater Reward. Large faux brass blasts bring an almost pop melody. 

Phantasm is slower still. Cutting a chug. Repeatedly punched by bullying bass. Its kick delayed. The focus this time distorted, fed back, buzzing, ringing string instrument-like, kinda harpsichord, kinda zither, figures. 

Solid State starts with broken breaks and their echoed collisions, which a bionic 4 / 4 then quickly calls into check. Rhythm guitar snippets sneak their way in to the trippy, acidic atmospherics, but this tune’s real surprise is the inclusion of some instantly recognisable `60s psychedelic lyrics. The familiarity is sure to give unsuspecting fruggers a rush. 

Hardway Bros’ Nemo-Point Weekend is out now on Outre-Mer.