An artist with a long and distinguished production career within the broad Progressive House arena, Robin Thurston returns to Particles with his "Piedra Oscuras" EP. A regular on a host of renowned underground progressive labels since early work for Liquid Grooves and BQ Recordings, the UK resident has since gone on to see his work released through BC2, AH Digital and Arbor Recordings. 2017's "Cura Brochero" EP was a notable Particles highlight in 2017, bookended by appearances on the "Summer Particles" series in 2014 and 2018 with "Mr Kolotev" and "Sausalito Sunset". Now returning to the label for the first time in more than 5 years, the title track is characterised by a hypnotic groove of fierce metronomic bassline juxtaposed with harmonically-rich looped pad. Deriving energy via a strong beat and rapid-fire hi-hats, a beautifully meandering and free-flowing synth sequence provides a Kraftwerk-esque vibe. Evolving over its 8-minute timeframe a kaleidoscopic array of melodic layers builds through "Piedras Oscuras" to create a mature and evocative sonic tapestry. The richly textured pads and developing chord progressions of "Neverending" create a typically smooth and powerful sound. Combining his sonic palette with ease, Robin's skill and technique emerge with trademark coruscating melodies and grooved bassline backdrop. Hitting its stride in the latter stages, the driving beat and sustained bassline add to a majestic and powerful production.

No stranger to the Proton faithful, Dmitry Molosh has been a staple of the flagship label with a host of original tracks and remixes for the likes of Kastis Torrau, Andrea Cassino and Paul Deep. A 2014 debut for Particles saw "Teleport" showcase the Belarusian's production skills before remixes for Exoplanet and Valer den Bit followed within a year. Now, almost a decade later, Dmitry Molosh returns with a typically dance-friendly remix. Using elements from the original, he takes "Neverending" on a driving voyage of discovery with high-tempo percussive intent, bassline groove and dominant kick. Adding layers of additional production material, effects, melody and club brio, they are joined at the breakdown by the free-flowing melodic themes integral to Robin Thurston's work with a pulsating arpeggio adding vibrancy in the second half to devastating effect.

A more recent Particles contributor, Jesus Gonzalez has found a rising wave of success within the underground house arena since the debut of his OHMZ moniker in 2019. After appearances on Flug Lab, RYNTH and The Purr, December 2022 saw the Chilean release his impressive "Articulation" EP on Particles with remixes from NHAR and Wolfframm. A single remix of Chihaka's "Kupisa" earlier that year was another notable highlight in the OHMZ portfolio as he now returns with a deep and undulating interpretation of "Neverending". Intelligently using elements from Robin Thurston's track in looping and effects-laden patterns, the OHMZ remix is a stripped-back remix that rises and falls imperceptibly with its dominant beat framework and ticking percussion. Brim full of pulsating sidechain compressed waves, the OHMZ reworking weaves a delicate and magical story across its 5-minute timeframe.

Full of light moments and dark undertones, Robin Thurston is front and centre stage with his "Piedras Oscuras".

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

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