Cacopoulos

Killer Groove Records presents Cacopoulos, the debut single by Italian cinematic funk trio Atabasca. A syncopated journey where funk, psychedelia, and cinematic tension merge into a timeless narrative, suspended between rhythm and vision.

"Cacopoulos" marks the birth of Atabasca's sonic universe, the first extract from their self-titled debut album, due out in spring 2026 on limited edition LP, CD, and digital format. In addition to the digital format, the single will also be available as a limited edition 45 vinyl (300 copies), out on January 23, 2026.

Listeners are instantly drawn into a dry, dusty landscape, driven by a primal drumbeat and the acid twang of a guitar that evokes the atmosphere of classic westerns. An impetuous and visionary ride that blends the power of instrumental groove with the evocative imagery of library music and italian golden age soundtracks.

Indeed, "Cacopoulos" pays homage to I Quattro dell'Ave Maria (Ace High) and the legendary Eli Wallach, the sly outlaw who turns deception into revenge; a subtle yet powerful nod that connects the trio's sound to an imagery soaked in dust, dreams, and redemption.

Recorded in one take, the session captures the raw energy and natural atmosphere of the performance.

The artistic production was handled by the trio together with Andrea Fabrizii (digger, musician, producer, and catalogue curator for Cam Sugar), while Riccardo Ricci mastered the track at Velvet Room Mastering Studio in Brighton.

Atabasca is an italian instrumental trio formed by Luca Mongia (guitars, lap steel, keyboards), Paolo Mazziotti (bass, keyboards), and Valerio Pompei (drums, percussion). After more than two decades performing across national and international scenes, the trio came together in 2023 to start a new project that blends experience, experimentation, and creative freedom. Their music moves through jazz-funk, world, and cinematic territories, weaving together afrobeat, desert tones, and psychedelic influences into a personal and timeless language. Each piece is a scene, each sound a shard of a world; a journey between reality and imagination, where groove, texture, and organic timbres merge into a unique sonic ecosystem: unstable yet balanced, where every note opens new inner landscapes.

Fans of Khruangbin, Surprise Chef, and instrumental psych-funk take note!