A prolific and talented artist of equal measure, Michael A returns to Proton Music with the fifth instalment of his acclaimed "Fantasy" series. Opener "Third Down" evokes atmosphere aplenty with its deep and dark vibes as hypnotic and muted arps build easily among white-noise washes and spoken samples. A crystalline synth motif adds an air of unease while a head-shaking bassline groove supplies dancefloor character. The arpeggiated narrative is continued through the aptly titled "Modulator" as a chunky rhythmic framework keeps the energy high. An array of delay-soaked effects create depth while an immaculately cadenced pluck sequence provides dynamism post-breakdown alongside a floating and glassy-sounding melody. "Shine a Light" immediately impresses with its intricate percussive top-line of shakers and hi-toms, while a hypnotic melody plays across the early phrases. A rasping bassline adds depth as multi-faceted layers of complementary melodies coruscate over each other with richly textured pads affording atmosphere aplenty. The final track sees "Passion" entice with its powerful bassline gravitas and low-end energy. Steam-powered white-noise washes gently pulsate in time with the hefty kick and muted glissando synth before a more rounded and flowing melodic pattern sits easily within the rhythmic and bassline components throughout the second half.

A regular fixture in the upper echelons of the progressive house artist charts, Alex O'Rion is a name synonymous with a raft of high-profile releases over more than 15 years and a distinguished production career. Black Hole, Sudbeat Music, Lost & Found and his own Solis Records have thus all played host to his imperious sound. Remixes for Desaturate and Somersault were Particles highlights in 2015 and 2017 while a remix of Juan Deminicis' "Sounds of Freedom" was a moment of magic on Proton Music in early 2021. Now returning, the Alex O'Rion remix of "Spring Singing" is a typically potent dancefloor offering that bathes elements of Michael A's original in a new light while creating beautifully sculpted original melodies with their themes rooted in the "Vol. 3" opener. Full of fluctuating and atmospheric beauty, the track develops elegantly over its near 8-minte duration to stunning effect.

From the central Argentine province of Santa Fe, Rosario resident Julieta Kühnle is famed for her silky DJ skills and peerless production credentials. A regular across her homeland in Côrdoba, Buenos Aires, and Mendoza, a production career in tandem has seen music signed to Clubsonica Records, Mango Alley and Armen Miren's Hoomidaas to name but a few. Making her Proton Music debut, the Julieta Kühnle remix of the series title track is a powerful reminder of her skill and craftsmanship as carefully sculpted beats sit perfectly across "Fantasy" and familiar refrains float in unexpected new patterns and phrasing to create a wonderful new interpretation. Evolving over its phrases, new analogue motifs and additional production material blend effortlessly with original components to create a magical club-friendly remix that is certain to find favour with the progressive house fraternity.

Another magical combination of original tracks from Michael A and remixes from Alex O'Rion and Julieta Kühnle find a home on "Fantasy, Vol. 5".

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

Fantasy, Vol. 5

Buy on Beatport

Michael A - Passion

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