Hailing from historic port city of Gdansk, Tuxedo has been a regular contributor to the Particles catalogue stretching back to a debut a decade ago. During that time, remixes for the likes of Tvardovsky, Erdi Irmak and Monojoke have been complemented by June 2013's 3-track "Destinations" EP, plus appearances on the seasonal compilation series. As he now returns to Particles, Tuxedo once again showcases his talent through the twin-track "Phantasma" EP.

Opening proceedings, "Motion Blur" shimmers courtesy of an immaculate percussive top-line redolent in offbeat hats and ticking shakers. A syncopated melody contributes to the rhythmic framework as freeform organic motifs wander atop unencumbered. Beautiful piano phrases flow alongside detuned plucked strings and thickly textured pads. "Phantasma" is a bouncing bassline gem that pushes forward with dancefloor urgency as a rapid-fire percussion provides the perfect foundation for glorious melodies to pan the stereo spectrum in layers of strings, synths and arpeggiated sequence that make their presence felt at the mid-point. Rising to a crescendo, the third movement picks up the pace again with a springtime feelgood vibe in full evidence.

An iconic Glasgow born artist, now firmly ensconced in his adopted Barcelona home, Funk D'Void is a name synonymous with a plethora of high-profile releases stretching back over a career three decades long. A renowned DJ with performances and residencies across the globe at the most prestigious clubs, a production career in tandem has seen releases on Bedrock, Toolroom and Soma Records plus remixes for Underworld, New Order and Stephan Bodzin. Making his Particles debut, the Fund D'Void remix is a pulsating driver that builds around a hypnotic cadence and deep house chord structure. New motifs evolve out of Tuxedo's melodies panning the stereo spectrum with gentle ease. A smooth bassline groove adds to the deep flavour as free-flowing motifs marry with heavy beat, 808 clap and shuffled percussion into the second half.

Kobana is a name with a strong bond to the Proton family. A firm favourite with an abundance of original work, the Polish star began his Particles career with a bevy of dance favourites in the early part of the 2010's with his co-production work alongside Yane3dots and Mario Hatchet plus sparkling solo tracks. "Behind the Mirror", "BN2 1TW" and "Reload" all hit the virtual shelves in 2011 before Kobana once again returned to the label to remix Gux Jimenez in mid-2021. Now remixing his fellow countryman, the Kobana reworking of "Phantasma" is a stellar rhythmic groover that makes intelligent use of the melodic themes central to Tuxedo's work while giving them an entirely new sonic treatment that takes the track in different directions. A powerfully cadenced bassline sits inside a thick and crispy shell as rippling arpeggios and motifs filter in and out across the 4-minute piece.

With ethereal presence, Tuxedo finds his "Phantasma" given further authority courtesy of remixes from Funk D'Void and Kobana.

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

Phantasma (Kobana Remix)

Particles