Cafe Futuro by Franz Scala

Italian visionary Franz Scala returns to Slow Motion Records with the infectious, ground-moving LP Cafe Futuro, a follow-up to his highly acclaimed debut Mondo Della Notte.

A homage to the influential Neukolln bar and meeting point for Italo and Cosmic disco heads, Cafe Futuro is a testament to this special place, the soundtrack, and its revered legacy. Brimming with Scala's gift for revealing the most finite feelings of nostalgia one searches for on the dance floor, "Cafe Futuro" dives deeper.

Peeling back the curtain opens with the tantalising "New Look," a thumping, bass-driven triumph featuring vocals from the iconic "Furotica." "New Look" gracefully weaves into the emotive harmonies and tones of "Echoes of Love," a cinematic proto-ballad between enigmatic vocoder and synthesis. EMU keys sing and chimes ring out over the basslines' sophisticated syncopation.

Capturing the smokier realms, "Telephone Boy" jettisons the listener into Scala's more energetic notions. "Light Year Run" provides a cleansing midway point for the record, letting pads breathe and signature bass rhythms toy with meandering melodies, punctuated by vocal FX and an ever-giving snare. Fellow Berlin icons Local Suicide join Franz on the commanding "Saxon Rebel," an acidic cut that charges through with the captivating vocals of Dina Summer at the helm, channelling the Italo and New Beat golden era.

Dripping in a twilight glow, "Cafe Futuro" propels listeners further into Scala's sonic aesthetic, transporting one to Italorama Bar in full flow. Fellow Wrong Era affiliate and multi-instrumentalist Charlie lends her talents to "Crush Test," a sultry track filled with her enigmatic charm. With an arsenal of carefully collected vintage synthesizers at his fingertips, Scala pays a homage to the "Bit99" in a track of the same name. Letting the native legendary Italian circuitry swell and soar, "Bit99" encapsulates an intrinsic part of Scala's journey with his futuristic stamp.

"Fantasy Bazar" increases the tempo but retains Scala's cerebral flair. The album culminates in "Fase Lunare," a beautifully fitting conclusion featuring the L.A.-based duo Acid Gymnastics. Rich in Scala's unmistakable tone and charm, "Cafe Futuro" builds upon a bold and innovative sound, showcasing fellow creators and genre-defining artists, solidifying Italo Affecianondo's sound, synonymous with the pioneering greats.

Franz Scala - Cafe Futuro
Release Date October 2025
Label Slow Motion Records / !K7 Records

Tracklist
1. New Look (Feat. Furotica)
2. Echoes Of Love
3. Telephone Boy
4. Light Year Run
5. Saxon Rebel (Feat. Local Suicide)
6. Crush Test (Feat. Charlie)
7. Bit99
8. Fantasy Bazar
9. Fase Lunare (Feat. Acid Gymnastics)