Berlin’s own sonic sorcerer, Elninodiablo (Stephanos Pantelas), is set to enchant our autumn playlists with his debut album, The Downey Groove, out since September 19 via El Niño Diablo Music. This release isn’t just music; it’s an experience, one that demands your attention this fall.
In celebration of this highly anticipated album, Elninodiablo is hosting a raucous release party at Lunchbox Candy, his groundbreaking queer night at Kreuzwerk. With an electrifying vibe, a dedicated 2K+ crowd, and unexpected performances, Lunchbox Candy has become a cornerstone of Berlin’s underground scene. If you’ve heard the buzz about it headlining WHOLE Festival or captivating audiences at Sydney Mardi Gras 2026, you know this is where the magic happens.
Born amidst the rugged beauty of Cyprus’ mountains, The Downey Groove symbolises a journey of profound introspection and unfiltered creativity. Armed with just a laptop and a field recorder, Pantelas let intuition steer the ship—transforming spontaneous recordings into a cohesive album that ebbs and flows with emotional depth.
This eight-track odyssey delves into a kaleidoscope of dub-infused electronics, soulful warmth, and infectious grooves. Kicking off with ‘Purple Hypnotic,’ the album immerses you in its hazy landscape before flipping gears with the disco-infused swerve of ‘Misteriosa Noche.’ Feel the spiritual echoes of Eno and Byrne in ‘The Soul Monad,’ or ride the spacey vibes of ‘Subadrift’ as it pulls you into the cosmos of ‘80s and ‘90s electronica.
The groove doesn’t let up. From the cheeky disco groove of ‘Rodeotheque’ to the title track ‘The Downey Groove,’ a live percussion experience that’s pure electric chaos, each track demands movement and reflection. On ‘Rise In Dub,’ thick basslines and psychedelic sounds create an immersive nocturnal reverie, while the closing track, ‘Operator Please!’, wraps up the journey with a rich, sine wave embrace.
While the album was produced sans a rigid concept, its essence crystallises themes of release, rebirth, and feminine power. Elninodiablo captures this beautifully: “It begins with an impulse in the body, a need to express. The meaning emerges after the music is done.” Indeed, The Downey Groove serves as a healing medium, resonating with rhythms meant to liberate and inspire.
Elninodiablo’s genre-defying soundscape is a declaration of bravery and emotion. It beckons listeners to surrender, elevating the dance floor experience to a sacred ritual. With roots that stretch from Cyprus’ pirate radio to London’s queer club scene, Elninodiablo’s artistic evolution reflects years of dedication, including a successful PR career with prominent names like Horse Meat Disco and Salsoul Records.
Having laid his groundwork through earlier releases, The Downey Groove is his boldest statement yet. Guided by studies at Berlin’s renowned Catalyst Music and influenced by a rich tapestry of global sounds, this album breaks boundaries. It conjures expansive emotional landscapes—think desert horizons and lush jungles where mood triumphs over genre.
Elninodiablo describes The Downey Groove as “a womb-like slap in the face and a warm, gentle cuddle,” perfectly capturing the essence of this transformative autumn soundtrack. Don’t miss out on the journey; this is music that reverberates through the soul.
