An artist familiar to the Particles faithful, Martin Branne returns to the label with his Brann (AR) moniker and his "Waves of Madness" EP.

First debuting on the label in September 2023, Brann (AR) immediately created a wave of excitement in the Particles cognoscenti with his "Endless Moments" EP. Already a favourite on such celebrated imprints as Freegrant Music, LuPS Records and Stripped Digital, the Buenos Aires-based artist's first solo outing was further propelled with remixes from Michael A and fellow countryman, Paul Deep. Now returning, "Waves of Madness" is characterised by a complex and fizzing percussive backdrop and heavy beat while a huge sub-bassline creates a relentless drive. A panoply of pitched instruments and haunting lead add depth and subtle, eerie atmosphere that plays expertly to the title. Pausing for breath at the breakdown, the chorus of melodic characters builds to a dramatic zenith before the track erupts into a huge drop where the powerful rhythmic framework develops into a pounding dancefloor destroyer. Partner track, "Thorn" continues the complex rhythmic arrangement as a squelchy, water-inspired effect makes its play against a relentless running bassline. A swathe of melodic characters wend their way easily across the mid-range, not least in a powerfully envisioned analogue lead line and rippling, filtered arp which come to the fore at the stripped-back mid-point. Hitting its straps once more in the second half, the compelling rhythm and bassline bring the track home in devastating club-friendly manner.

Since a 2018 debut on Renesanz, Pablo Maneiro has been a formidable figure in the underground house scene with his Mayro alter-ego. A regular on the likes of Dear Deer, Univack and UV Noir over a 7-year period, 2022's "Crazy Thoughts" EP was a notable Particles highlight in June. Bookended by remixes of Izzet and Mariano Favre in March and October the same year, Mayro returns with a typically forceful reworking of "Thorn". Creating a huge, grooved bassline underneath a hefty kick and syncopated hi-hats, familiar melodic elements from Brann's original find their way into the remix, developing easily over its seven-minute duration. Building in dramatic fashion, the breakdown finds those melodic elements and effects panning the stereo spectrum before a mesmerising second half sees the bassline dominance excel further still amongst the melodic atmosphere. Mayro's resultant work is the creation of a dynamic jewel.

Matias Chilano is another Argentinean who is no stranger to success across 400 production credits and a 17-year career at the centre of the Progressive House sound. A staple across such esteemed imprints as Balkan Connection, LuPS Records, Juicebox Music and James Warren's Visceral series, a quartet of remixes has seen the Córdoba-based artist rework K Nass, Pysh, Mariano Favre and Andre Sobota for Particles. A symmetrical output on Proton Music remix marked impressive remixes for the likes of Huminal, Sebastian Sellares and Lanvary. Now returning to Particles, the Matias Chilano remix is a typically rich and dynamic affair with chunky beat and fizzing effects that swim across the left-right spectrum. Picking up elements of Brann's original – not least at the kaleidoscopic breakdown where the cadenced motif of "Thorn" makes its presence felt – a rasping bass sequence and rippling synth add to a stunning soundscape. A powerful sonic staging is thus in full effect through Matias' immaculate production work, creating a superb dance-friendly interpretation.

"Waves of Madness" make perfect sonic sense through Brann's twin originals, further developed by Mayro and Matias Chilano.

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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