After a host of impressive releases on Proton Music dating back to late 2013, James Monro launched his "Sanctuary" series in November 2020 with a typical style and panache. "Vol. 2" followed in late 2021 as the UK artist now returns with a third volume combining a trio of original pieces plus a pair of standout remixes. The "Isolator" opener is a smooth downtempo piece infused with meandering jazz-infused melodies. Effortlessly building energy through intelligent use of an expanding rhythmic backdrop, a strong bassline with growling accents and dynamic effects provides a rousing finale. The power of Rockers Unite" is in immediate evidence via a glissando bassline that drives the heavy beat and hypnotic top-line through a gently evolving sweep. A delicate arpeggio adds to the melodic flow as vocal cuts and white-noise infused pads open-up post breakdown to a glorious and imaginative zenith. Characterised by a chunky rhythmic framework and deep bass sequence, "Reflex" gently evolves over its near 9-minute timeframe as each movement is introduced with a percussive and melodic element. Gently pulsing pads and atmospheric vocal sample add to the sultry atmosphere, while a joyous synth motif enters the fray post-breakdown.

Award-winning Jamie Stevens has become a Proton Music regular since a remix of Rudy's "All Things Fade" in 2019. Reworkings of Petar Dundov and Magitman have followed in December 2020 and June 2021 while the Australian artist, renowned for his work on the likes of Bedrock, Lost & Found and microCastle, now returns to Proton with an outstanding interpretation of "Another Weirdo". Originally part of "Sanctuary, Vol. 1", Jamie Sevens applies his trademark technique and craftsmanship to create a vibrant new version that shimmers with filtered arpeggio that is rooted firmly in James Monro's original. Evolving atop heavy beat and strong off-beat percussion, the track pauses for breath at the mid-point before building once more into sparkling sunlit offering that is certain to fill dancefloors across the globe.

A second remix sees the return of Sylvain Guiraud under his Clawz SG moniker. A Steyeyoke resident with over 150 production credits on the Soul Button led label, the French artist has created quite a stir on Proton Music with his 2019 "Domuyo" and 2021 "Urania" EPs that have included remixes from such prominent artists as Jonas Saalbach and Robert Babicz. Now returning to Proton with a debut remix, the Clawz SG interpretation of "Injected with a Serum" is a glorious melodic techno infused track that replaces the broken beat rhythm with a ticking four-to-the-floor powerhouse. A sublime growling bassline gradually emerges, built upon Monro's closing section, as a mesmerising arpeggio then provides the perfect juxtaposition. A bassline mirrored leads adds further weight in the second half to a spectacular conclusion.

Finding refuge in music, James Monro continues to inspire and soothe through "Sanctuary, Vol. 3".

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

Sanctuary, Vol. 3

Buy on Beatport

James Monro - Isolator

Hypnotic spells and immersive sway.
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