A rapidly growing force within the underground dance industry, Mikhail Akulich, has hit the ground running with an ever-expanding portfolio of tracks under his Michael A pseudonym. Now returning to Proton Music, he presents the three-track "Symbol" EP.

From Mozyr, on the Pripyat River, Michael A has continued to reach far beyond the borders of his Belarusian homeland. An artist who is the epitome of modern twenty-first century production techniques, benefitting from the world of social media and dissolving global barriers afforded by modern communication techniques, Michael A continues to cut an impressive figure.

Owner of the celebrated Genesis Music imprint, the Michael A name has consistently found itself allied to a plethora of blue chip labels. A regular on the likes of Balkan Connection, Superordinate and 3rd Avenue, Mikhail's work has also featured on Hernan Cattaneo's Sudbeat Music, with the February 2017 "Micrologica" EP. Over five-hundred production credits can thus be found next to the Michael A name in a short five-year span.

Particles accounts for a score of those credits that have included a wealth of original material, not least in the March 2014, "Behind the Moon" and 2017, "Sapphire" EPs. Remixes for the likes of James Monro, Huminal, and GMJ are a fine corollary and it was an honour to welcome Michael A to the ranks of the Proton Music roster with the highly accomplished "Bright Hope" EP in February 2017. A remix of Luc Angenehm's "Kaiserkraft" quickly followed in April as Michael returns to Proton with the outstanding "Symbol".

The title track revels in a rich percussive groove that clicks and pops its way across the upper frequencies with a wealth of clave and wood block effects. A delicious freeform melodic line waves a magical path in tandem with pulsating side-chained pads that come to the fore in a stripped back breakdown. As bass, rhythm and melody converge in the latter half, Michael A's productions skills are in full evidence.

"Orbital" continues the trademark Michael A groove as a driving beat provides the perfect anchor for an analogue bass line to fill the rhythmic space with consummate ease. A haunting melodic refrain finds its own space in the mid-point breakdown, continuing into the third movement with exquisite precision. Surrounded by stereo-panned effects that increase intrigue, a wonderfully developed sinister edge is inherent in the aural melange.

Final track, "Centaur" hits hard with its opening four-to-the floor beat as off-beat hi-hats, shakers and claves add a further sense of depth and percussive groove. Ethereal pads layer texture and atmosphere as a running bass line adds a subtle sense of dance floor energy. Undulating gently across the seven-and-a-half-minute voyage, Michael A's sonic architecture creates a vibrant and hypnotic work that is sure to find favour across the globe.

As Michael A creates a "Symbol" of impressive depth and variation, the musical vignette within is sure to find the key to success.

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

Symbol

Orbital (Original Mix)

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