POPULOUS Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Set against the wild, lunar backdrop of Lanzarote, Populous aka Andrea Mangia, a producer from Lecce on the heel of Italy's boot, unveils Isla Diferente, an instrumental journey blending cumbia and Latin ambient. The album captures the island's mystical atmosphere and is enriched by haunting vocal appearances from Fuera from Italy, Costa Rica's Javier Arce, Mexican Eva de Marce and Esoterica Tropical from Puerto Rico. The record is rich in organic soundscapes where delicate, dreamlike melodies meet experimental electronic textures. The result is a rich, new ambient sound with heavy influence from South America while also being a trip that mirrors the surreal beauty and mystery of Lanzarote.

Review: Populous's Moonbaton Vol. 1 marks a strong return to Wonderwheel Recordings, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the darker realms of instrumental reggaeton and moombahton. With tracks like 'Flauta Magica, which intricately weaves brooding synths and dembow beats with ethereal flute melodies and 'Sapo,' a foreboding journey layered with monstrous basslines and whimsical melodies, Populous demonstrates his mastery in crafting atmospheric soundscapes. Hailing from Southern Italy, Populous's global approach to music-making shines through, reflecting his diverse influences and musicological background. With previous releases like Night Safari and Azulejos, Populous has established himself as a versatile artist, while also making waves in the fashion world as a sound designer for renowned brands. Moonbaton Vol. 1 sets the stage for an eagerly anticipated series, promising an enchanting fusion of cosmic inspiration and rhythmic exploration.