Long-time Proton Music friends and guardians of the progressive house galaxy, GMJ & Matter have been at the forefront of underground dance music for over a decade. Now returning to the label with original music for the first time in over 5 years, the Australian duo deliver "Ascending Sun" with remixes from Greek and UK legends.

Since May 2016's twin-track "Superposition" EP, GMJ & Matter have become favourites with the Proton Music faithful. Each responsible for a raft of original and remix productions, their joint collaborations have become a beacon for a modern progressive house sound that has seen the Melbourne-based duo play to sold-out gigs across their Australian homeland as well as Europe and beyond. No better is this success illustrated than a dazzling sell-out showcase of their Meanwhile label and brand at Amsterdam Dance Event 2023. Following on from 2017's "Osmosis" and 2018's "Interscope", GMJ & Matter now return with a track redolent in hallmark production traits as a thumping kick, smoothly cadenced shakers and cavernous bass create the perfect backdrop for a muted arpeggio to evolve hypnotically across "Ascending Sun". Gloriously textured pads and white-noise swirls add to the picture as infinite delays and long reverb tails deliver a sumptuous soundscape. New reverb-soaked melodic phrases appear at a spine-tingling beatless breakdown before the rhythmic and bassline groove drop back into the third movement with silky aplomb.

Simos Tagias is another artist with a long Proton Music history after initial success on Particles dating back to 2014. Centred around 2017's "Airlock" and 2018's "Audacity" EPs, a host of remixes has seen the Greek star showcase a dynamic and powerful signature sound. Returning once more after a 2021 remix of GMJ solo work, "Rise Above", the Simos Tagias remix quickly develops the melodic themes present in "Ascending Sun" and develops them with typical flair. New production material courtesy of vocal-tinged pads and re-imagined melodic motifs flow from a backdrop of body-shaking groove that sees expertly programmed percussive and sub-bassline patterns. Hitting its stride post-breakdown, the Simos Tagias remix explodes into life in the second half with the familiar and mesmerising open-filtered arp so central to the original.

The final artist is another iconic figure within the progressive house scene. Responsible for almost a century of breathtaking production credits dating back almost a decade, Orsen is a familiar name. Firmly ensconced in his adopted Austrian home, the UK-born artist has found himself a sought-after figure with his work for Sudbeat Music, Mango Alley and Cid Inc.'s Replug where he also acts as A&R chief. Dating back to early 2016, 7 remixes chart Orsen's Proton Music path as he returns after November 2023's interpretation of Dimuth K's "The Shaman". Full of dancefloor brio, a chest-thumping kick and shuffling hi-hat pattern lay the foundation for a huge running bassline to dominate the early exchanges before the superbly cadenced arp of the original emerges. Delicious new melodies play their part from with a new bassline variation adding hands-in-the-air emotion at the breakdown. A rousing crescendo sees the Orsen remix drop back into the familiar patterns of earlier phrasing in the second half and melodic touches create intrigue and demand listener attention.

Creating an exquisite new offering, GMJ & Matter rise again to heat up dancefloors from east to west with their "Ascending Sun".

Directed by Jay Epoch
Mastered by Cid Inc.
Design by Ben Mautner
Text by James Warren

Ascending Sun

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GMJ & Matter - Ascending Sun

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