Plesač sporog stepa (“Slow Step Dancer”) is the solo artistic project of Croatian musician Mladen Max Juričić, one of the key guitarists of the Croatian and former Yugoslav new wave and rock scene. The project marks his first fully author-driven work after decades of playing in influential bands such as Azra, Film, Vještice, Le Cinema, and Šo!Mazgoon.
The project represents a late creative phase in which Juričić takes full control as composer, lyricist, arranger, and producer. His albums under the title “Sunčana strana mjeseca” (Part 1 & 2) form a conceptual body of work that was later adapted into live performances with an expanded ensemble.
Musically, Plesač sporog stepa blends a wide range of influences gathered throughout his career, including Mediterranean and island groove aesthetics, world music elements, jazz, funk, and pop sensibilities. A defining characteristic is its focus on rhythm, atmosphere, and a “slow movement” concept, resulting in fluid, cinematic and relaxed compositions rather than aggressive rock structures.
The project is strongly shaped by the idea of “bright melancholy” — a combination of optimism and gentle nostalgia that has become a hallmark of Juričić’s later work. The arrangements often feature diverse instrumentation, including strings, percussion, and layered vocals, performed by a broad collective of musicians.
In its live form, Plesač sporog stepa is known for energetic yet relaxed performances that merge different musical cultures and generations of musicians. It has become a significant continuation of Juričić’s career, while also standing as an independent artistic identity.
Today, Plesač sporog stepa is regarded as one of Max Juričić’s most personal and mature projects, connecting his extensive musical past with a freer and more exploratory creative expression.
