Contributing Writer
Nervian Society returns with Such a Daddy’s Girl, a new single that continues their exploration of electronic music’s more emotive and danceable corners. The track features vocals from Greek-Belgian artist Alexandra Kavvadias, adding a lyrical edge to the Belgian project’s signature blend of Italo-disco, new wave, and dream pop.
Nervian Society is the brainchild of Dorian C and collaborators, operating out of Spector Studio in Brussels. Their work spans electro, disco, and synth-pop, often featuring guest vocalists and live instrumentation. Previous releases include the Ducpétiauxlaan EP, which showcases their range from vocoder-heavy tracks to retro-inspired pop songs.
With the single out now, we asked them to put together a playlist of some of their all-time favorites. They didn’t disappoint.
Bob Marley – Natural Mystic
The music rises slowly, then the drum break and the voice come in like an ancient incantation. You can feel they’re playing live — there’s love, nostalgia, pain, and a whole lot of soul vibrating through every note.
Dionne Warwick – Don’t Make Me Over
Just the way Dionne’s voice comes in and lifts you to the heavens is breathtaking. The lush production by Burt Bacharach and Hal David — the orchestra, the strings — everything is flawless. And when it reaches the bridge, it’s pure magic. A moment of sheer sincerity and emotional clarity.
Reflekt – Need To Feel Loved (Adam K & Soha Edit)
This track gives me chills, a timeless deep house classic. It’s smooth, intimate, and deeply moving. Delline Bass’s ethereal voice hums the quiet desire to be loved. Best listened to with your eyes closed, late at night. Made in the UK, of course.
Tinlicker & Helsloot – Because You Move Me
It’s chill, it’s cold, it’s warm — it makes you want to cry and dance at the same time. The perfect track that comes out of nowhere and stays like a close friend you want to share at every party. One day, a friend told me this track did nothing for her — I almost blacklisted her. I don’t understand how the vocals are produced, and honestly, I don’t care — they carry me away.
Marvin Gaye – Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)
It’s amazing how Marvin gets even more emotional when he goes into protest songs. The arrangements are beautiful and almost mystical, it’s real goldsmithery. He talks about social struggle over a deep, hypnotic beat, with congas that feel like the heartbeat of the track. We are in heaven… among the masters.
Sly & The Family Stone – Everyday People
1968, West Coast USA. Everything is there: the raw power of rock, psychedelic vibes, funk, and of course, soul. A band where black and white musicians played together in perfect harmony, to our great delight. It’s a childlike hook built on two looping chords, with lyrics about unity and living together. Sly just passed away, but his legacy is huge.
Bee Gees – You Should Be Dancing
Recorded in France and mixed in the USA, this is one of the ultimate disco and dance anthems. Driven by Barry Gibb’s falsetto, the groove is irresistible — everything is perfect: the strings, the funky guitar riffs, the percussion. The drums were looped directly from the tape, since the LinnDrum didn’t exist yet. This track will never be outdated.
16 Bit Lolitas – Deep In My Soul
Hypnotic, like a mantra that repeats and goes straight to the soul. The synth solo is stunning and unexpected. The minimal production is essential. You dance, it stays in your head, and you just want more.
The Specials – Ghost Town
It’s dark reggae with haunting arrangements and social lyrics. The song paints a picture of a city devastated by unemployment, riots, and the closing of nightlife spots. The bassline is obsessive, the ghostly horns, and the pitched voices with harmonizer are eerie but beautiful. Political and unsettling — a sonic snapshot of a creative yet troubled England in the early ’80s.
Sister Sledge – He’s the Greatest Dancer
Chic is at their peak , Nile Rodgers’ guitars, Bernard Edwards’ bass, Tony Thompson’s beat, Bob Clearmountain’s sound, and the Power Station studio in New York. Sister Sledge’s vocals are mesmerizing, everything is perfect, even the lyrics have a bit of an edge.