|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3LP
|
|
BOND 12077LP
|
Mihai Popoviciu, one of the most esteemed names in the deep house and minimal scene, releases Puzzle Box on Bondage Music. As one of the label's core artists, Popoviciu returns for his second full-length album release on the imprint following his successful 2016 album, Home (BOND 12038LP, 2022). With a career spanning over a decade and with releases on numerous influential labels such as 8Bit to Berg Audio, Popoviciu has firmly established himself as a go-to within the minimal-leaning realms of house music. Known for intricate soundscapes and deep, hypnotic grooves, his work continues to captivate audiences globally. On Puzzle Box, he delves deeper into his signature stripped-back yet soulful aesthetic, offering a diverse collection of tracks that traverse through various sonic textures. Mihai Popoviciu: "With Puzzle Box, each track unlocks something deeper with every listen". Consisting of thirteen tracks in total, Puzzle Box showcases the Romanian's sound to its fullest. On the vinyl edition, fans are treated to standout tracks like "Batiscaf", "Storm Rider", and "Far Gone" -- vinyl-only gems that capture Popoviciu's talent for layering subtle, dubby tones with groovy rhythms. The opening track, "They All Say", sets the mood with smooth, atmospheric beats with a skippy groove, followed by the dynamic "Video" and the driving, pulsating energy of "Frankfurt." Popoviciu's skill in crafting versatile productions is showcased throughout the album, with each track offering something unique. From the sleek, melodic strains of "Puzzle Box" to the hypnotic, rolling basslines of "Kinetic", this triple-LP is a journey into his meticulously constructed sound. The digital version also features the bonus track "Body Count 2", offering a final, rhythmic flourish to round off the release. Puzzle Box further cements Mihai Popoviciu's role as a mainstay on Bondage Music, a label which continues to champion forward-thinking, minimal-leaning house music. With this latest LP, Popoviciu once again proves why he remains a favorite, building on his storied career with another masterclass in refined, deep electronic music.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
12"
|
|
BOND 12070EP
|
Having released on Pokerflat, Berg Audio, and Hedzup Records, label regular Mihai Popoviciu makes a return to Bondage Music, he delivers four new original tracks to drops his next EP Echo Audio on Bondage-Music. 180 gram, green vinyl.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
2x12"
|
|
BOND 12038LP
|
Mihai Popoviciu: "The album's called Home because it is inspired by my experiences from my home city Sibiu in Romania. Home is also the place where the album was produced, in my stripped-down studio. It is where I always return to rest and chill after touring the world and the place where I feel most safe and comfortable. The artwork shows an image of the airport lane in Sibiu with surrounding hills and mountains in the back. It is a metaphoric 'gate' to both leave and return home." Across the project, Mihai delivers his signature dancefloor focused, stripped-back style with "ACK", showcasing the hypnotic and percussive style Popoviciu executes so well. The project also drifts into smooth dubby realms via compositions like "Cannon Poets" and "Sunshine" while the likes of "Music 999" radiantly display Mihai's proficient production abilities as he wanders into a brighter more house centric sound. All in all, Mihai Popoviciu turns in a coherent long player whilst exploring a broad range of styles, "Focus" and "Havana" lay down a groove-led feel with subtle modulations and an unfaltering structure, while "Data On Data" and "Hypnosia" tip the focus over to dark and brooding territories with murky synth pads and chugg-y low-end tones. Once again, Popoviciu has proven himself to be one of Romania's finest electronic music exports.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
12"
|
|
PFR 184EP
|
Mihai Popoviciu offers Fiction, his fourth release on Poker Flat Recordings. "I Should" is a slinky groover, with a slippery, evolving bassline, tight, funky percussion, and a sultry female vocal. "Twisted" is a little harder - a straighter beat signals a more heads down approach, and the bassline is sure to trigger some dancefloor scenes wherever it gets played. "Fiction" has fragments of Eastern European melodies woven into beautiful synth work, all tied together over a spacey, yet driving rhythm track. "Interconnected" is a straight-up deep bomb with echoes of classic Chicago deep and acidic house.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
12"
|
|
PFR 169EP
|
In 2015, a decade on from his 2005 debut release, one of Romania's finest cultural exports returns to his favorite stomping ground with a transmission that showcases variety, technical skill, and an intimate understanding of the dynamics of the floor. The stripped-down, moody menace of "The Swindle" kicks things off with dancing semiquavers panning left and right. A bass synth motif carries the tune to a climax before its buoyant, trancey conclusion. "Rotate" casts a busier, jacking vibe, its analog synth cycles pinging against each other. Glimmering layers of sound create an endlessly immersive, deadly deep groove. "Feed Me" is slower, slinkier, and rougher.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
12"
|
|
PFR 148EP
|
Mihai Popoviciu presents one for Poker Flat. "Time" is a low-slung slice of electronic funk, featuring a dirty bass line and lazy, growling synth skirmishes. The feeling is tech-y, underground and analog -- a perfect vibe for the Romanian's killer grooves. "Stay" drops a gear and cruises into even deeper territory. The melodies entwine to build a lush deep house groove, punctuated by a wonky lead and punchy, insistent drums. Popoviciu manages to hold plenty back, before unleashing a fierce drop. "Paper Box" maintains the stripped-down sound design, leaving plenty of space for Popoviciu's signature synth squiggles, stabs and fragments of melody.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
12"
|
|
PFR 137EP
|
Mihai Popoviciu has established himself as a producer and DJ of high repute with releases on labels such as Highgrade, Fear Of Flying, and Hudd Traxx. The four tracks on the Here EP share a similar aesthetic and sound design, yet each is as essential as the other. "Call Me" rides a dark and low-slung groove, eventually unleashing a soulful, neo-Prince vocal refrain. "Here" has a more straight-ahead focus, while "Low" takes things a notch deeper and darker. "Curbat" maintains a course for the funky sound.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
12"
|
|
INTAC 035EP
|
Romanian Mihai Popoviciu is considered one of the most innovative eastern European producers of electronic music today. Sucked into the rave scene of the '90s, then infected by the techno and house virus compelled him to begin producing music in 2001. Since then, he's steadily added chapters to his success story either with solo projects or collaborations. Just like his music, his DJ sets have a distinctive, personal touch, delivering a balanced mix of groovy beats, warm pads and addictive musical emotions.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
CD
|
|
HIGH 097CD
|
This is the debut album from Romanian producer/DJ Mihai Popoviciu. Recently there seems to have been an easterly wind blowing through the electronic music scene: more and more artists, particularly from Romania, have staked an impressive claim on the dancefloors of Europe's best clubs and on the ears of its house music audience. Among the luminaries of the trend is Mihai Popoviciu, one of the most innovative producers in Eastern Europe. Mihai has already gained plenty of experience as a producer and DJ -- he was only 14 years old when he discovered the electronic underground of his homeland. In 2001, he finally began his own music production, a pursuit which is closely related to his work as a DJ -- the one could not exist without the other -- two sides of a creative symbiosis. On The Unexpected Truth, Mihai Popoviciu shows two distinct sides of his musical mind. Across these tracks we find, on the one hand, his private and reserved expressions, and on the other a powerful and surging musical attitude. The record is characterized by its unconcerned and easy-going atmosphere, which transforms rapidly into driving percussion and minimal ambience. It is at once varied, original and catchy. Mihai himself considers The Unexpected Truth to be the essence of his artistic work. With this debut album he will appeal to both the party animal and the sofa connoisseur. Regardless of whether you're wriggling with the groove or chilling out at home, this album will be making the rounds in the deep recesses of your mind.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
12"
|
|
HIGH 087EP
|
Mihai Popoviciu is one of the most talked-about newcomers in the house and techno scene. But to call him a "newcomer" is a misnomer. Mihai has been releasing quality music for years, on labels such as Gigolo, Level Non Zero, Brise, Diynamic and, of course, Highgrade. Since 2007, he has sworn allegiance to the Highgrade flag, either alone or with production partner Markus Homm. Trapped In Brakets features three brilliant club tracks of outstanding quality, custom-made for the dancefloor.
|
|
|
|