Camino: Plàsi heralds a new, scintillating chapter in this five-track EP.

A keen-eyed and emotive troubadour, indie upcomer Plàsi's knack for weaving tracks that embrace simplicity, yet brim with nuance, is frankly remarkable. The singer-songwriter is an industrious creative: his broad-minded approach is best exhibited on "Camino" EP, a five track project equivalent of a watershed moment for the artist; although liberally stretching to new soundscapes, core fans wouldn't be left behind, as they will find the same evocative themes that drew them into Plàsi's catalog in the first place, remain everpresent. 

Adopting a low profile, Mikael Bitzarakis (or Plàsi) hasn't let virality dictate his brand or discography output. Quietly captivating millions of listens globally, the releases under this introspective alias have become a silent, immovable testimony to the sheer skills of the man behind it, including the 2016 breakthrough acoustic hit "Who We Are" or the recent success "Far From Home." Over the years, the multi-instrumentalist has gotten others fixated on his craft, for one sole reason— the subtle, delicate blueprint on most of these songs, eschewing complicated or dense orchestration for uncomplicated and memorable arrangements. Each of them is an immersive experience meant to resonate deeply (delving intuitively into topics like grief and romance, sensations commonplace to everybody). Take, for instance, "Sorrow": the stripped-back arrangements embrace the solemn, consoling lyricism, satisfyingly heartwarming till the end.

"Camino" aptly describes the contents within: it's an uncharted road chosen by the singer, one that both extends from his roots while segueing into something new. Yet he hasn't let uncertainty obstruct ingenuity— on the contrary, the greater involvement of production has only augmented the intimate trademark of the Greco-Swedish moniker. "Father's Eyes" proves that: a pleasing guitar melody takes part in a tender, almost tropical production. Here, the singer confronts the bitter truth of growing up under dysfunctional parents, serving the ultimatum of reconciliation and accepting disparities instead of estrangement. 

Overthinking can take away the best in the present moment: Plàsi condenses this universal message in an appealing serenade, crooning wistfully over a soothing sequence of strings, piano, and drums (alongside self-actualizing lyrics such as "Guess it's time to try/Life is in front of my eyes"). Paying ode to his Graeco roots, "Efiga" is bound to the rhythm of its earthy drums; it’s an enchanting performance, cavorting lightly to a jovial groove. In "Heights," lo-fi digital textures effuse warmth into the ensemble, supporting the metaphorical rendition adorned by natural imagery ("Watching, feeling, climbing your hills... A night on your heights over water).

The conclusion arrives with "Camino"— sweetly reminiscent of a bolero containing bittersweet jingle of the guitars and lush off-beat rhythms, it turns into a heartfelt and contemplative tune urging to move ahead, and not get entangled in obstacles that often bind us from truly discovering ourselves (reiterating its determination with "I won't stand in that row/For now, I'll walk my Camino"). Impactful and terse, the song's positioning acts as an impactful and emotional parting for this revelatory EP.

Listen to "Camino" on Spotify, and stay tuned with Plàsi on Instagram.