A long-standing production duo, Dan Stark and Sertac Sahin have been producing music under their Stark & Sahin moniker for almost a decade. Talented artists in their own rights, the duo have been responsible for a string of releases for the likes of Go Deeva, Where The Heart Is, Low Pressings and Witty Tunes. A single remix for Particles saw the duo rework Oliver Lieb's "Caldera" in 2016 as they now return with their debut original EP for the label in "1984". The aptly named title track has a sense of foreboding as a gently pulsing bassline pattern, heavy beat and crisp snare form the basis for an electronic drum kit rhythm, de rigeur for the era. A retro synth sound and dark melody shine outwards from the rhythmic foundation as it then drops into a broken beat variation at the breakdown. Picking up the pace once more in the third movement, familiar melodies are heard as the classic synthwave vibe extends further.

Partner track, "Fearless" continues the strong retro vibe as a strong beat and ticking 16th hi-hat pattern form the foundation for a grooved bassline sequence to shine. Before long a swathe of classic sounds emanate from the rhythmic collage, revealed fully at the beatless breakdown as a monophonic lead and cadenced pluck add vibrant dancefloor character to proceedings in the second half.

An artist at the forefront of Progressive House for over 15 years, Juan Deminicis is a name synonymous with the genre. Over 400 production credits are testament to that production success with a half-century of those on Proton labels – the likes of the "Life on the Moon", "Synchronicity" and "Cycles" original EPs on Proton Music and a host of remix editions shining an alternative light on Particles. Remixes of Mariner + Domingo and Blanka Barbara in early 2021 showcased the Argentinean's production talent further while a third now sees Juan Deminicis create a thoroughly modern progressive gem out of "Fearless". Using the melodic foundations of the original as a jumping-off point, Juan's skill is to cast those characters in a new light that retains the kernel of their retro sound while transforming them into a seething dancefloor jewel. A growling bassline backdrop adds dark intensity while original melodies combine with new and vibrant phrases in a trademark production style that illustrates perfectly why the Buenos Aires resident's sound is still such a sought-after commodity. A driving beat and syncopated hi-hat pattern add to the dancefloor groove in a work of rare skill and poise.

A dystopian vision of the future is the antithesis of Stark & Sahin's bright and vibrant "1984", aided superbly by a remix from Juan Deminicis.

Directed by Jay Epoch
A&R by Marina Enebeka
Mastered by Stark & Sahin, Cid Inc.
Design by Ben Mautner
Text by James Warren

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