An artist with a cast-iron reputation within the underground dance fraternity, GMJ continues to chart a stratospheric upwards trajectory with an ever-growing production portfolio. Now returning to Proton Music, the Australian star presents a pair of new tracks through his "Rise Above" EP.

A Particles and Proton Music veteran with a stellar cast of original and remix material over both labels, Gavin Griffin continues to provide the flagship imprint with a regular supply of increasingly high-quality music that saw "Sovereign Reality" and "Catharsis" released in October 2017 and May 2019. Now returning with his third solo original EP, the title track is a typically sumptuous offering that is characterised by a head-shaking groove and expertly crafted bassline that evolves imperceptibly over time. Through a panoply of white-noise effects, multi-layered pads and subtle synth phrasing, "Rise Above" reaches a rousing denouement with spine-tingling moments expertly placed throughout. Continuing the atmospheric narrative of its predecessor, "Unbound Reality" finds free-flowing melodies meandering across its 7-minute voyage alongside intermittent vocal sample. Wrapped delicately around a crisp rhythmic shell, syncopated motifs and powerful beat are the perfect juxtaposition to the unencumbered melody.

Another Proton regular sees Simos Tagias return to the label after a remix of LADS in January 2021. Responsible for 2017's "Airlock" and 2018's "Audacity", the Greek producer has also presided over a clutch of high-profile remixes for the likes of Tim Penner and Soulwerk, while also being remixed by such esteemed names as James Monro and Petar Dundov. Once again hitting new heights, the Simos Tagias remix of "Rise Above" is a bold, pulsating affair that uses the themes central to GMJ's original and reframes them within a powerful new rhythmic framework. Using organic house inspired vocal phrasing, new melodies appear at the stripped-back breakdown before a refined arpeggiated sequence gives shifts aural focus in the second half.

A veteran of the underground dance scene, Savvas is another artist with a long-established connection with electronic music. After a 2011 debut for Bellboy Records, Savvas has found himself featuring on Sag & Tre, Magician On Duty and Anjunadeep. The "Mindfulness" EP was a notable Particles highlight in early 2019 while a remix of Rick Pier O'Neil's "Earth Mover" in July 2017 and a full debut EP to follow, mark an impressive emergence on Proton Music. Reworking "Unbound Reality", the wandering melodic lines of the original are complemented by a glittering arpeggiated sequence, revealed in the second movement, and extending into the beatless breakdown. Additional melodic phrases from the Savvas studio lilt delicately in the second half accompanied in seamless fashion with GMJ original components. The resultant sonic tapestry is a joy to behold.

Creating a new twin-track offering of unparalleled pedigree with contributions from Simos Tagias and Savvas, GMJ continues to "Rise Above" with impressive regularity.

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

Rise Above

Buy on Beatport

GMJ - Unbound Reality (Savvas Remix)

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