Returning to Proton Music, Janko Dragovic has created a powerful narrative with his Desaturate production moniker. Reaching a notable highlight in January 2018 with his “Wanderer” EP, the Serbian artist now creates another moment of magic with “Spinal Slip”. Joining forces with production partner, Goran Ferenc for the second original track on the EP, the duo’s Dual Flux soubriquet provides another sonic highlight via “Ground Zero”. Remixes comes from iconic Croatian and Belarusian artists Petar Dundov and Michael A.
Characterised by intricate percussive top line and commanding bass pattern, a filtered melodic refrain appears in Desaturate’s “Spinal Slip” amongst waves of white-noise effects. Pulsating evenly across its 10-minute duration, glass arps appear at the stripped back breakdown before emerging in the second half with heavy beat and additional growling bassline, to mesmeric effect. The similarly forceful, “Ground Zero”, immediately catches the ear with its driving kick and relentless bass as an off-beat tambourine makes itself heard and filtered stabs supply melodic weight. Striking vocal cuts add further texture in a track that builds to a rousing acid-fuelled crescendo at the breakdown, before launching into the third movement with gusto and force.
Petar Dundov is no stranger to the Proton Music catalogues with his work dating back to a June 2019 remix for Simos Tagias. Two original EPs have since followed with December 2020’s “Salvation / Nature of Nature” and October 2021’s “Spark” illustrating the Croatian’s unrivalled production technique. Returning to Proton with a third remix, Petar Dundov’s commanding rework is a majestic offering that evolves in characteristic fashion from a beat-laden opening to swells of familiar melodic refrains from “Spinal Slip”. Emerging through the sonic collage, a glorious new piano refrain gradually builds to a delay-infused masterstroke, while elements from the Desaturate original criss-cross the stereo spectrum with dizzying panache. A new arp adds intrigue at the breakdown before melodic plucks and rolling rhythmic precision again flourish in the second half.
Another familiar name to the Proton Music roster, Michael A has continued to play a central role with a half-century of credits that has witnessed an abundance of original releases that included the likes of “Symbol”, “Aura Tears” and “Geometria” between 2017 and 2019. Beginning the “Fantasy” series in September 2020 with an array of original new music, “Vol. 3” is set to hit the shelves in early 2022. A clutch of remixes for the likes of Dousk, James Monro and Pole Folder adding to his portfolio, the Michael A remix of “Ground Zero” takes the driving techno character of the original and transforms it into a lilting progressive gem. Glistening with flowing new melodic phrases that shimmer across the left-right soundstage, elements from Dual Flux’s original intelligently sit in the opulent surroundings of Michael’s production work, while a strong beat and ticking percussion add club credentials.
Originals from Desaturate and Dual Flux plus remixes from Petar Dundov and Michael A build a towering musical edifice to ‘Spinal Slip / Ground Zero’. And you can now listen to the full premiere of Petar Dundov’s remix exclusively on When We Dip. Enjoy!
Release Date: January 21st, 2022. Buy Here
Follow: Petar Dundov // Desaturate // Proton