With “Pisco Slap EP“, Luis Ripa makes an impressive debut on Fabe’s Salty Nuts imprint, further cementing his reputation as one of the most exciting emerging names in the European underground. As a member of Amsterdam’s Naked collective, Ripa has already earned support from some of the scene’s most respected selectors, and this latest outing makes it easy to understand why. Built around raw grooves, carefully crafted drum programming, and an instinctive understanding of dancefloor dynamics, the EP captures the essence of modern underground House music without relying on unnecessary excess.
The A2 cut, “A10”, takes a particularly direct route to the dancefloor. Driven by a bouncy UK-influenced groove and a weighty, rolling low-end, the track immediately locks into a confident sense of momentum. The drums remain front and centre throughout, delivering the kind of stripped-back energy that thrives on a powerful soundsystem.
Small details make all the difference here. Occasional scratch effects, subtle vocal snippets, and carefully placed darker elements gradually emerge throughout the arrangement, adding character without disrupting the track’s flow. As the second half unfolds, deeper and slightly moodier textures begin to surface, introducing a welcome sense of tension while maintaining the groove-led framework established from the outset.
What makes “A10” so effective is its economy. Nothing feels unnecessary, nothing feels forced. Every sound serves a purpose, creating a track that functions equally well as a dancefloor weapon and a DJ tool. Raw, punchy, and packed with understated attitude, “A10” is another strong example of the quality currently emerging from both Luis Ripa and the wider Salty Nuts camp.
Words by Holger Breuer
Torture the Artist 