Introducing: Elninodiablo

When critics talk about Elninodiablo, they reach for extremes. Resident Advisor hears “a blizzard of feeling that takes snow and somehow makes it even colder.” METAL praises his “absolute creative fluidity” and “creativity in its pure state.” It’s that rare mix of intensity and freedom that defines The Downey Groove—the Berlin-based producer and DJ’s most unrestrained release to date.

Born Stephanos Pantelas, Elninodiablo has carved a path from pirate radio in Cyprus to London’s queer underground and now Berlin, where his party Lunchbox Candy has become a crucible of wild performance, deep community, and fearless sound. With the album dropping September 19 on his own El Niño Diablo Music imprint, he’s opening the next chapter of his journey—not just as a producer, but as a conduit for rhythm, emotion, and transformation.

Jon Hassell – ‘Last Night The Moon Came’ 

I have a funny story about this one – I was mid-sex with a lover when this came on the stereo – I had to excuse myself to find out what it was….There’s an incredible sense of openness, expansiveness, and space. It evolves very slowly, and it engulfs you in a universe all of its own.

Arthur Russell – ‘That’s Us / Wild Combination’

The combination of the industrial beat with Arthur Russel’s angelic voice, melancholy, cello and keys creates a beautiful juxtaposition. There’s a feeling of a dark and sweaty club dancefloor coupled together with a folk song that soothes and elevates. Irresistible

Out Hud – ‘The L Train Is A Swell Train And I Don’t Want to Hear You Indies Complain’

I first encountered Out Hud playing live at The Astoria in London back in the early 2000s opening for Radio 4. My mind was blown, and I immediately ran to the merch desk and bought everything they had released up to that point. This track -  as is the whole album - is live free improvisation with analogue drum machines, synths, electric guitars, live drums, bass, and strings. It’s rave, indie, goth, neo-classical, grunge, post-punk and dub effortlessly co-existing in this one track.

African Head Charge – ‘Orderliness, Godliness, Discipline and Dignity’

Absolutely ground-breaking album by master renowned percussionist Bonjo, Iyabhinghi Noah and legendary dub reggae producer, Adrian Sherwood. It’s shamanic, psychedelic, dub reggae that transports you to another world. I was stopped in my tracks when I first heard this for the first time and it still is one of my all-time classics. 

Colourbox – ‘Baby I Love You So’ (12’ Version)

This track is from their 1983 album ‘Colourbox’ on 4AD. It’s such a unique sound taking in dub reggae, soul, r n’ b and post punk in the way only London could produce in the early 80s. A precursor to the Bristol Wild Bunch collective that gave us Massive Attack, Tricky, Nellee Hooper and more.