Hypnotics EP by BOP – Full Review & Analysis

Returning with a signature blend of minimalism, melody and experimentation, Bop’s Hypnotics EP is an immersive four-tracker that lives up to its name, drawing the listener into his precise, often otherworldly soundscapes. A true master of space and texture, Bop once again proves his ability to explore new corners of the drum & bass spectrum while staying unmistakably himself.

Opening with Cravings, the EP eases you in with lush, sweeping synths and a haunting vocal that rides over a subtly shifting rhythm. It’s deceptively simple – stripped back yet cinematic – with each element given room to breathe. The atmospherics feel almost liquid, but the groove is steely and sure-footed, reminding us why Bop has long been considered one of the genre’s most forward-thinking producers.

Siren Eyes takes a bold left turn with the pairing of DRIIA and Doktor. DRIIA’s shimmering topline floats ghostlike above the beat, while Doktor injects energy and attitude with his unmistakable dancehall delivery. The contrast is unexpected but electric – and it works. There’s a simmering tension between light and dark here that feels tailor-made for smoky late-night sets.

Chime joins the party for Dormant, which feels anything but. An undulating melodic line snakes through a barrage of glitchy hits, stuttering percussion and otherworldly effects. It’s a head-trip – dynamic, layered, and full of movement – with Chime’s melodic dubstep roots blending surprisingly seamlessly into Bop’s minimalist framework. The result is the EP’s most sonically dense moment, and a real highlight.

Closing with Fungification, Bop taps into his garage instincts, crafting a weighty stepper that’s both intricate and infectious. Shuffling drums, warping bass and warped textures swirl together in a low-slung groove that hits like a slow-release euphoric. It’s the kind of track that creeps up on you – understated but impossible to ignore.

Hypnotics is a statement – four wildly different cuts that still feel cohesive, tied together by Bop’s impeccable sense of space, sound design and mood. Whether you’re here for the vibes, the subs or the sonic experimentation, there’s something quietly groundbreaking in every bar.

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