An artist who epitomises the modern underground dance industry, Michael A is as gifted as is he is affable. Returning to Proton Music for fourth original EP in the space of twelve months, it is a genuine honour to welcome him back to the label with "Aura Tears".

From the central-southern city of Mazyr, rich in natural resources, Mikhail Akulich has mined from a rich seam of talent through his Michael A moniker. One of his country's most exciting talents, the Belarusian producer continues to find himself at the vanguard of the underground scene with his distinctive blend of "progressive house and techno". A prolific artist, some 650 production credits sit proudly next to the Michael A name; a profound achievement given a commercial debut with a clutch of original releases for Sterofaza and Fluro Music in mid-2012.

Since then a panoply of original and remix production material has been within the catalogues of some of the finest modern independent imprints, not least in the February 2017 "Micrologica" EP for Hernan Cattaneo's Sudbeat plus work for Darin Epsilon's Perspectives Digital and Cid Inc.'s Replug. Further original work for Mango Alley has also seen a high-profile remix from Australian icon, Jamie Stevens, while Akulich has also founded his own Genesis Music imprint to great effect and a regular vehicle for his production work. Hitting the Particles catalogues in late 2013, 2014's "Behind The Moon" was a notable highlight, as was March 2017's "Sapphire". Hitting Proton Music at the same time, a trio of original EPs have been spread across 2017 with "Bright Hope", "Symbol" and "My Style" all worthy of appearance on the flagship label. Now, Michael A returns to Proton with another original offering in the shape of "Aura Tears".

The title track is a beautifully sculpted piece that blossoms into a pulsating and driving anthem that is a perfect example of modern underground progressive house. Richly textured, floating pads and shining melody reveal themselves fully in the stripped breakdown before reaching a crescendo in the third movement, while a glorious bassline progression adds genuine purpose and interest in a work of great skill.

Revelling in similar melodic themes to its predecessor, "Ciklus One" is founded upon a strong rhythmic framework that supplies dancefloor interest in off-beat percussive cadence. Simultaneously a deep bass groove sparks low-end electricity while intelligent spacing within the mix and across the stereo spectrum highlights technique and mature production craft.

The final track continues the melodic tropes of earlier work as textured pads and shimmering motifs emerge over the seven-minute journey that coruscates brilliantly at the mid-point breakdown. Binding rhythm and melody together with bassline glue, a sublime groove keeps dynamism high accompanied by deep kick and ticking percussion.

Three new tracks find tears of joy rooted in Michael A's aura.

Directed by Jay Epoch
A&R by James Warren
Mastered by Michael A
Design by Ben Mautner
Text by James Warren

Aura Tears

Aura Tears (Original Mix)

Buy on Beatport

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