When We Dip | Premiere: Juan Deminicis on remix duty Blanka Barbara

A relative newcomer to the progressive and melodic house scene, Blanka Barbara makes her Particles debut with the twin-track ‘Amabie’. Polish-born but London-based, Blanka has already carved out a growing reputation with a slew of releases on the likes of Duenia, Mango Alley, and her own Rabbit Records. As comfortable behind the decks as she is making music, her monthly “BBHour” on Point Blank Radio and “BBBoiler Welcomes” on Data Transmission Radio, have afforded her the opportunity to create a new platform to showcase her growing skillset as DJ, interviewer and producer.

Blanka Barbara’s opening salvo on Particles finds ‘Amabie’ a driving gem, fuelled by rolling bassline groove and heavy beat. Referencing a mythical Japanese mermaid, searing melodic flourishes sit across the mid-range as they cut through the mix with laser precision. Textured pads add to the atmosphere as a stripped-back breakdown paves the way for a club-friendly second half where rhythm and melody combine to powerful effect. “The Black Lagoon” continues the rich melodic narrative as a filtered motif wends its way across the 8-minute piece. Anchored by deep, resonant beat and off-beat percussion, a seismic bassline adds weight aplenty in an evolving, multi-faceted soundscape track of pure emotion that rises from subterranean depths to a paradise from whence no one can return.

Juan Deminicis is no stranger to the Proton Music catalog. A regular since 2012 with a quarter-century of remix and original production material, the Argentinean has sparkled with such celebrated releases as 2013’s “Behind the Sun”, 2019’s “Life on the Moon”, 2020’s “Synchronicity” and July 2021’s “Water /Rebellion”. A clutch of remixes for GMJ, Michael A, and Mark Slee have shone a spotlight on another side of Juan’s production talent as he returns to remix Blanka Barbara. Taking on “The Black Lagoon”, a trademark rolling groove and deep luscious soundscape filters to the fore as familiar melodies from the original flow across the stereo spectrum. A glorious syncopation of rhythm and melody follows before a new cadence opens up in the second half to mesmerizing club-friendly glory as white-noise effects and sub-bass complete the picture.

With a silky flow, Blanka Barbara’s ‘Amabie’ swims in an elegant fashion, escorted by remixes from Juan Deminicis and Michael A. You