A prominent figure in underground house since the 1990s, Nick Muir is a global icon. Marking a return to Proton Music, he delivers yet another trademark masterpiece through "Eyes Up".

One half of the Bedrock duo alongside John Digweed, responsible for such legendary offerings as 1999's "Heaven Scent" and 2002's "Emerald", the UK based artist has become a Proton favourite since an initial remix for Rick Pier O'Neil in 2019. Further reworkings of Sebastian Sellares and Eric Lune followed with a remix of Luke Mandala's "Eagle Song" in early 2024. "All One Word" marked a powerful original debut, later reworked by powerhouses, Trilucid, as Nick now returns with a second original track. Redolent in trademark production techniques and distinctive sound, "Eyes Up" bristles with dancefloor dynamism, propelled forward by dizzying percussive hats and a huge bassline progression. Developing easily in club-friendly manner by an artist who has spent a career as a touring DJ, delicate melodies twinkle across the mid-range in perfect counterpoint before a breakdown creates a momentary pause for breath. Dropping back into the driving rhythm, a dancing inverted chord pattern balances against the earlier bassline phrase. The result is a masterful track from an artist still at the peak of his powers.

First up on remix duties, Irish-born, Australian-based artist, Amháin, is a name synonymous with a gorgeous, flowing and multi-faceted sound that has seen the Melbourne-based artist a master of the modern Progressive House arena. A regular on Balance Music, HIGHER STATES and Mango Alley, his "Starseed" EP for Proton Music was a notable highlight. Remixes of Michael A and Erdi Irmak in 2022 and 2023 are now joined by a third with the Amháin interpretation of "Eyes Up" retaining all the melodic poise of the original while generating a gorgeous, flowing progressive backdrop that shimmers with a stunning new lead motif and a host of original production material. Typically luxurious and decadent, delays and reverbs coruscate over each other in a waterfall of sound, reaching an epic denouement at the breakdown. Returning to the compelling rhythmic pattern of earlier phases, the Amháin remix plays out in majestic fashion.

A second remix sees another Australian resident work his antipodean magic. Quickly establishing himself as a sought-after figure within the Progressive House fraternity, Dave Leck has been producing high-quality work for over a decade since early work on Emotional Content Recordings, Crosslink Music and Mystic Carousel between 2016-18. Finding further success on Particles, the "Stardust", "Primal Connection", "Elevate" and "Opal" EPs showcased a series of increasingly high watermarks including remixes from Proton Music regulars, GMJ & Matter, Kamilo Sanclemente, Andrea Cassino and Erdi Irmak. Now debuting on Proton's flagship label, the Dave Leck remix takes "Eyes Up" on a stirring journey where the hypnotic lead melody provides the perfect backdrop for a swathe of additional production material to meander easily across a deep kick and off-beat hats. Building in momentum with new arp and twinkling motifs, Nick Muir's bassline makes a welcome return at the mid-point breakdown. Hitting the heights again in the second half, Dave's skill is to take the track in a new direction with its layered sonic textures and new phrasing, all while staying true to the "Eyes Up" sonic signature.

With laser-focus and colourful production technique, Nick Muir "Eyes Up" yet another hit, ably supported by Amháin and Dave Leck.

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

Eyes Up

Buy on Beatport

Nick Muir - Eyes Up (Dave Leck Remix)

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