A regular contributor to the Proton Music catalogue, Michael A continues to find himself at the forefront of underground dance music, now returning with the 4-track "Fantasy" EP.

As prolific as he is talented, Michael A has been a central figure in the progressive house scene with occasional forays into melodic techno and electronica. Since a 2012 debut for Stereofaza, the Belarusian has seen almost 900 production credits against his name for a formidable array of high-profile imprints that include Hernan Cattaneo's Sudbeat, Darin Epsilon's Perspectives Digital and Cid Inc.'s Replug. Moreover, Michael's own Genesis Music imprint has been a vital source of music for both himself and a leading band of new and established artists. Support for a growing portfolio of releases has come from industry's leading DJs and tastemakers that include Guy J, Nick Warren, Max Graham and Cattaneo himself.

Making an early appearance on the seasonal Particles compilation series in Winter 2014, his "Behind the Moon" EP followed in March that year. Making his way on to Proton Music in 2017, the twin-track, "Bright Hope" began a very special relationship with the label that has seen a further five original offerings pepper the Proton catalogues. Indeed, "Symbol", "My Style", "Aura Tears" and "Geometria" has continued to showcase Michael A's music between 2017 and 2019, before the twin original tracks of "Twinkling Stars" shone brightly in April 2020 alongside remixes from Matter and Desaturate.

Now returning with another collection of original music, "Fantasy, Vol. 1" marks a new chapter that follows in the footsteps laid by the likes of Erdi Irmak, Rick Pier O'Neil and Hot TuneiK as a way to develop a musical narrative across a series of releases showcasing Michael's original work and remixes from other high-calibre artists. "Vol. 1" opens with a quartet of new tracks with "Slipflow" immediately displaying Michael A's penchant for driving rhythms and immaculate bass groove before richly stratified melodic layers ripple across the 8-minute piece. Shimmering arpeggios and dramatic chord constructions blend seamlessly, before the darker vibe of "Silent Moments" provides a sinister edge. Heavy with bouncing bassline groove, smooth melodies coruscate in ever-expanding patterns to a rousing mid-point crescendo of sound before dropping back into familiar groove and gradually developing melodic phrasing.

The subtle energy of "Flyaway" ripples enticingly forward atop cleverly programmed hi-hat and shaker cadence. Hitting its stride with consummate ease a glorious melodic evolution sees the track provide a moment of understated magic and delayed keys shimmer in overlapping delays over a growling and sustained bass note. The title track itself is another richly textured affair that bristles with chugging percussive groove and heavy metronomic beat. Waxing and waning throughout, subtle melodies meander delicately across the upper-mid range, redolent in reverb and delay before a subtle rise in energy in the third movement creates a platform for all elements to combine to mesmerising effect in the second half.

Four new tracks find Michael A offering a magical moment of "Fantasy" on Proton Music.

Directed by Jay Epoch
AandR by James Warren
Mastered by Cid Inc.
Design by Ben Mautner
Text by James Warren