Built on a 9/8 pulse that drives the piece rather than decorating it: large-scale orchestral drama, virtuosic piano rooted in the classical tradition, electronic textures, and the Eastern inflections I grew up hearing at home. An odd meter, written to feel like the most natural thing in the world.
Composer
Leyla Romanova
“Another stunning and stunningly adventurous piece from one of the most exciting and eclectic music makers working today”
Dave Franklin · The Big Takeover · July 17, 2026Read 8 more reviewsHide reviews
“It feels like the score to an epic film that hasn’t yet been made”
A soul duet written as a conversation, two voices answering each other across distance and circumstance, over a spacious cinematic arrangement touched by Gospel and Jazz. It began with a childhood memory, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” in “Stepmom”. Mishell and Jerome gave it far more than I had written down.
Vocals
Mishell Ivon, Jerome Brooks, Jr.
Piano solos
Leyla Romanova
Songwriter
Leyla Romanova
“The track is a beautifully crafted duet that blends intimacy, warmth, and emotional storytelling”
Natalie Patrick · EARMILK · May 25, 2026Read 8 more reviewsHide reviews
“Elegant, heartfelt, and wonderfully human, it is a song of pure joy”
Dark cinematic electronica about the power not to react. Drums hold the frame, bass keeps the axis, and the layers tighten into a harder, techno-inflected final act while fragmented female voices cut through like alerts from another reality. Everything around you pulls; the music keeps its nerve.
Composer
Leyla Romanova
“‘Self-Control’ is a climactic, impactfully atmospheric tour-de-force”
Mike Mineo · Obscure Sound · May 18, 2026Read 8 more reviewsHide reviews
“The way Romanova approaches electronic production with the instincts of a film composer absolutely elevates what you’re about to enjoy”
“‘Self-Control’ unfolds like the soundtrack to a psychological thriller, balancing raw intensity with meticulous production and leaving a lasting impression long after it ends”
