Mihai Popoviciu – Azul EP [Bondage-Music]

One of the undisputed names in underground music recently turned out yet another incredible EP. Mihai Popoviciu is renowned for his undeniable advocacy of the Romanian sound. A pioneer of the region and a champion of the deeper side of house music, Mihai’s work has come to feature on some of the industry’s most sought-after imprints – including his latest EP, on Bondage-Music.

Sporting four striking original cuts – two of which are vinyl-only tracks – Mihai’s ‘Azul’ EP is a pleasantly appealing selection of deep grooves with hedonistic energy. Helping you unlock that door to a magical place somewhere within ourselves, in which we dance like nobody’s watching – with our eyes closed and our bodies swaying hypnotically like reeds in an autumn breeze.

The opening track – Azul – has a rough edge, with driving drums and a rhythmic sub that creates a hopping groove. Blending past the beat is a combination of celestial pads, gritty synth fils & resonant plucks. 

‘Tristesse’ follows, taking a looser approach. Its wider cadence gets you unattached as it ebbs and flows through a combination of bass notes and filtered arpeggiated synth melodies. Light and airy but still retaining some rawness, it’s a track that could bring in a sunrise in a euphoric way.

The first of two vinyl-only tracks, ‘Forces’ is a loosely swung analogue jam. Kicking off a jacking bed of drums and hat grooves, it has a modulating array of melodic factors – including a fetching rhythmic sub, subtle acid lines and sweeping pads. 

Closing the release, ‘Nipon’ is an absolute showcase of Rominimal at its finest. Layers of melody; inaudible yet hypnotic vocal sampling, rising energy, progressive additions to the drum work and an endlessly undulating momentum. Rolling & building, elevating you to a higher state of consciousness – without a doubt. 

Mihai Popoviciou’s ‘Azul’ EP is out now on Bondage-Music!