Hitting the virtual shelves in October 2018, Rauchhaus and his sparkling "Opal" provided another beautiful melodic moment on Proton Music. With a release of its own on Particles, the original is now reprised alongside remixes from Canadian, Dutch and Polish talents.

Paul Hazendonk and Dustin Nantais are hugely respected names within the underground dance scene. Both individually renowned for a wealth of releases on a series of blue-chip imprints, Dutch star, Hazendonk has found himself at the vanguard of dance music for well over a decade from his Rotterdam home. Owner of the globally renowned Manual Music and MNL imprints, a roster that includes, Henry Saiz, Eelke Kleijn and Umek have kept Hazendonk at the epicentre of a world stage. A producer with almost 400 production credits, his own music has found its way onto the likes of Natura Viva, ICONYC, and Black Hole. Similarly, Dustin Nantais finds himself at the forefront of the Toronto DJ scene with performances across his home city. A sparkling production career has seen plethora of high-profile releases hit the likes of Where The Heart Is, Perspectives Digital and Particles, over a 5-year reign at underground music's top table. Joining forces, Hazendonk and Nantais have had a series of high-profile collaborative releases with stops on BluFin, Einmusika and Proton Music as they now make their Particles debut with a typically scintillating remix. Creating a beautifully crafted melodic affair, a strong bassline and ticking percussion provide the foundation for a clever us of Rauschhaus' components to create a track that revels in pulsating pads and sparkling riff. Hitting its stride post-breakdown, a strong combination of groove, melody and vocals provide a striking new interpretation of "Opal".

From Zawiercie in the central-south of the country, Rafa'EL has been creating electronic music for over a decade. With a passion for "deep house, progressive and tribal", the Polish artist has crafted a distinctive style with his popular "Infusion" show on Proton Radio. Simultaneously, an ever-evolving production career has found Rafa'EL with almost a double century of production credits to his name after a debut for Usessions Records in April 2013. Going on to feature heavily for fellow countryman, Tuxedo and his Electronic Tree imprint, Rafael has also been a regular on Sonic Union's Lowbit, Gai Barone's Afterglow and the iconic Balkan Connection. Making his mark on Particles in 2018, the four-track "Twin Flames" saw two original tracks supported by remixes from Izzet and E.F.G. in June, as he now returns to the label. Remixing "Opal", the Rafa'EL interpretation immediately identifies itself with Rauschhaus' original as familiar melodic themes are played out above a strong beat and dancefloor-friendly groove. Building in elegant fashion, new melodic phrases emerge with shimmering motif and reversed phrases making an innovative statement. Driving forwards in the third movement the combination of additional productional material with original components has created a rich and impressive new version.

Remixes from Nantais and Hazendonk and Rafa'EL have kept Rauchhaus and his "Opal" glistening firmly in the spotlight.

Directed by Jay Epoch
A&R by Marina Gerardi
Mastered by Cid Inc., Qbical, Tuxedo
Design by Ben Mautner
Text by James Warren

Opal (Particles Edition)

Particles