An artist blessed with prodigious crossover talent, Andre Sobota has been a mainstay of the underground dance community's highest echelons since his early work for Proton in 2009. Delivering "Fragments" in February 2016, the Brazilian's work continues to grace the imprint, now further emboldened by a pair of exquisite remixes from Japan and Italy.

Originally from Ibaraki on the Pacific coast, Japanese superstar, Shingo Nakamura, has become a leading force in the progressive house and trance scene. Supported by industry leaders including Max Graham, Gareth Emery and Above and Beyond, Nakamura's renown is global in scope. A regular on the Silk Music imprint, his "Sapporo" album shot to number one in the Beatport Progressive House charts, and, with over a century of productions credits for the label, his influence cannot be overstated. A second album for Otographic combined with further work for the likes of Anjuanadeep and Armada has seen Nakamura hit the headlines with striking regularity.

A regular on both the Particles and Proton Music imprints, an array of remixes has graced the latter as Soundprank, Poison Pro and Derek Howell have all borne witness to a distinctive sound. Now reprising a remix of "One Day Out" in 2010, Shingo Nakamura revisits Andre Sobota with typically dynamic and melodic flair. A huge bouncing bass line provides a strong anchor while cadenced percussion prowess works in harmonious synchronicity with pulsating textured pads. A breakdown of emotive majesty retains the themes of Sobota's original as Nakamura's additional production supplies a leading edge.

Considerable talents in their own right, Italians Danny Lloyd and Andrea Cassino have been at the vanguard of the modern dance scene. Lloyd, a cutting edge figure with a host of production credits for the likes of Lowbit and BCSA, was a highlight of the 2015 Particles calendar with the original "Espejismo" EP highlighting burgeoning talent with its characteristic sound. Andrea Cassino's history is no less storied, cutting an iconic figure alongside Alex Laben from 2001 as Cassino and Laben. A solo artist from 2009, Lowbit, Armada and Soundteller have provided strong foundations for the Cassino sound, supported by the DJ elite in Hernan Cattaneo, Sasha and Richie Hawtin.

As Nocturna, 2014's four-track "Big Bang" EP exploded onto the underground scene via Cattaneo's Sudbeat, a remix of Dousk for Proton Music was a 2015 highpoint. Furthermore, November's "Nocturna – Compiled and Mixed", for the imprint, provided a successful celebration of the duo's work simultaneously demonstrating their impressive DJ skills. Now returning to Proton for a second remix, the Nocturna rework of "Fragments" is a delightful jaunt through intricate percussive rhythms and strong beat. Cleverly reworking the underlying melodic theme of Sobota's work, the additional production work in intermittent sparkling riff and deep, rich bass line has ensured a successful return to the label.

A pair of intelligent new interpretations sees Andre Sobota's "Fragments" unified by Shingo Nakamura and Nocturna.

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

Fragments (Shingo Nakamura, Nocturna Remixes)

Fragments (Nocturna Remix)

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Aerofonika (DEEP IN GENEVA)

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