RELEASE: Fantasy, Vol. 3
ARTIST(S): Michael A
REMIXERS: about : river, amháin
LABEL: Proton Music | PROTON0513
GENRE: AIFF, Progressive House
RELEASED: 2022-01-07
AVAILABLE FORMAT: 1011Kbps/AIFF
DOWNLOAD SIZE: 252.89 MB
TOTAL TRACKS 5
- Michael A – Spring Singing (07:25) key, bpm122
- Michael A – You Are Here (06:53) key, bpm122
- Michael A – Poison Pan (07:26) key, bpm121
- Michael A – Fantasy (about : river Remix) (06:42) key, bpm121
- Michael A – Silent Moments (amháin Remix) (07:56) key, bpm121
Total Playtime: 00:36:22 min
As Michael A continues his fruitful relationship with Proton Music, the Belarusian artist blossoms with a third instalment of his successful EP series. Adding to a raft of immaculate original tracks and powerful remixes, “Fantasy, Vol. 3” now takes centre stage.
Opening proceedings, “Spring Singing” is an aptly titled jaunt through smooth progressive house territory as a light percussive backdrop and deep kick pave the way for melodic touches to weave their way across the track in delightfully pitched variations. Building into the second half, the track hits its zenith with an effortless combination of rhythm and melody. “You Are Here” continues the intricate percussive top line arrangement of its predecessor before a rich sub-bass groove adds depth. Subtle melodic motifs wend their way at the mid-point as synth phrases shimmering in panned delays provide the perfect sonic colour. Developing, after the breakdown a scintillating dancefloor track erupts as the powerful kick creates a dynamic force. The third original track finds “Poison Pan” opening with a stunning combination of bass dominance and intelligently cadenced rhythm. White-noise fuelled pads add weight while a shimmering arp filters into sonic range, backed by counterpoint chords and raw LFO power at the breakdown. The delicate groove and sumptuous arp build once more in the second half to magical effect.
A newcome to the Proton Music catalogues, about : river have already demonstrated their flair talent via an array of labels including Nie Wieder Schlafen, Sound Avenue and Everything Will Be OK. Combining the craftsmanship of Oleg and Ervin Ivanov, the father and son partnership hit the ground running with June 2021’s “Go Into The Mist” EP. Featuring a glorious musical triptych, the duo debut on Proton Music with a beautifully imagined interpretation of “Fantasy”. Using the melodic themes inherent in Michael A’s work, the about : river remix creates a sumptuous melodic tapestry that weaves golden threads in intricate sonic patterns to create a stunning new picture that pitches and falls in delicate patterns. Anchored by a driving beat and clicking, ticking percussive patterns, the result is an original and imaginative interpretation.
A second newcomer finds Alan Thomas Doyle creating another a progressive house gem through his amháin moniker. An artist who has performed in Europe, North America and across his native Australia, amháin has found his production talents in similar demand with work for The Purr, Sound Avenue and Meanwhile. A single remix for Particles in May 2021, remixing Loveclub, Mariner + Domingo, is now followed by a lilting progressive gem that takes the central melodic themes of “Silent Moments” and transforms them into a rolling groove-fuelled affair that is filled with delicate spot effects and pitched synth phrasing. Making clever use of the original components, a free-flowing interpretation waxes and wanes with ease across the 7-minute piece.
Michael A’s “Fantasy” opens a new world of mystery and magic with three new originals and remixes from about : river and amháin.
Directed by Jay Epoch
AandR by James Warren
Mastered by Cid Inc.
Design by Ben Mautner
Text by James Warren//
