An artist with a rich back catalogue to his name over a 15-year period, Luke Mandala is a welcome Proton Music debutant with his twin-track, "The Wind People". Combining live wind instruments and percussion in his production portfolio, Luke Mandala has been a powerhouse creative force with music on Desert Hearts Records, Digital Structures and Dave Seaman's Selador. Also a global touring DJ, opener "Eagle Song" is a pulsating progressive treasure that glitters with a beautiful melodic flow. Hitting its dancefloor straps with a strong bassline groove, the juxtaposition of ethereal synth phrasing and fizzing hi-hats creates a dynamic piece that reaches a scintillating zenith in the third movement. A slightly darker offering, driven by strong kick and intricate rolling groove, "Gorgeous Darkness" retains the soft melodic motifs of its counterpart, particularly at the beatless breakdown. Either side, a dynamic bassline sequence creates a vibrant energy that comes to the fore with a growling, filtered variation in the second half that sits perfectly with the arpeggiated melody woven into the delicate sonic mosaic.

Dance music royalty and a true pioneer of the underground house scene, Nick Muir has become a firm favourite with the Proton faithful since first remixing Rick Pier O'Neil in late 2019. Since then, the Bedrock co-founder has lit up the label with further reworkings of Eric Lune and Sebastian Sellares. Moreover, his "All One Word" EP in mind-2023 showcased an original track of 24-carat gold that saw standout remixes from GMJ & Matter and Trilucid. Returning for a fourth remix, the Nick Muir interpretation of "Eagle Song" is a potent demonstration of the iconic star's long association with dance music. A classic old-school house vibe is married with cutting-edge production techniques as familiar refrains shimmer across the piece, not least in the arpeggiated motif integral to the original. Intelligently integrating a timeless house piano phrase at the mid-point, it develops with typical brio into the second half with a cascading brilliance and powerful vibrancy.

The final remix sees newcomer, dernis, the kid make his Proton Music debut. An artist with the production credentials to rival any modern producer, the US star has been a mainstay in Claude VonStroke's DIRTYBIRD studio as well being part of the San Diego-based event group responsible for an annual desert party of epic proportions. Also releasing through his own AZB Studios imprint, the dernis, the kid reworking is built around a huge sub-bass groove and ticking percussive top-line. Cleverly reimagining the melodic elements from "Gorgeous Darkness", immaculate production skills are in full evidence as wonderful layers of original sound are introduced. Culminating in a beautifully crafted and free-flowing piano refrain, it gently permeates the rasping, gritty bassline groove to create a dance-friendly framework. The result is an outstanding debut from a US producer at the top of his game.

Blowing up a storm, Luke Mandala has built a strong community with "The Wind People" that includes contributions from Nick Muir and dernis, the kid.

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

The Wind People

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Luke Mandala - Gorgeous Darkness

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