As individual artists, Argentinean pair, Nicolas Leonelli and Diego R are no strangers to the dance music limelight, now joining forces for their debut release on Proton Music with "Dreaming / Continuation". From a musical family, Nico's sound has seen him become a regular DJ across his homeland with residencies in Buenos Aires. His production work since a 2019 debut for WH Records has seen a steady stream of releases light up Traful, Clubsonica Records and Nick Warren's The Soundgarden. Meanwhile, fellow Buenos Aires resident, Diego R, began with DJ performances across the capital in 2016/17 before embarking on his production journey with the help and expertise of Andrea Cassino and interaxxis' Emiliano Folgar. Opening his account in mid-2020 with a debut on 3xA Music, Diego quickly went onto to see his work feature for the likes of AH Digital, Superordinate Music and The Soundgarden.

Opening their Proton Music account, "Dreaming" is characterised by a punchy kick, flowing percussive shakers and deep sub-bassline pattern. Building with ease, a smooth plucked motif wends its way across proceedings in hypnotic repetition, while a pitched down vocal phrase adds weight. Rising and falling with immaculate dancefloor knowhow, textured pads and spot effects add to the intrigue in a thoroughly modern progressive gem. "Continuation" quickly follows the same rhythmic and bassline narrative as its predecessor while a head-shaking clap brings percussive energy. Before long siren-inspired lead motif glides up and down as the mesmerising sonic collage builds with white-noise washes and eerie vocal flashes. A pounding bassline adds to the club-friendly prowess as a beatless breakdown pauses momentarily for breath before the track drops back into familiar rhythmic territory.

On remix duties, Juan Deminicis is another Argentinean needing no introduction as a long-term contributor to legion Progressive House gems on Proton Music with his distinctive soundscapes and unrivalled production techniques. Remixes for such celebrated names as GMJ, Michael A, Savvas and Luis León & Unseener have stood alongside original EPs such as "Life on the Moon", "Synchronicity", "Water" and "Cycles" across a 13-year period of endless highlights. Now remixing Nicolas Leonelli & Diego R, Juan Deminicis takes "Dreaming" in a typically luscious and smooth direction. A trademark groove of trance-inducing majesty lilts effortlessly across a near 7-minute interpretation as familiar melodic refrains from the original sit loftily across the top. Waxing and waning through its phases, the immaculate groove and rich pads create a superb textured soundscape.

Another Proton Music regular, Iran Khan has seen almost a double century of production credits grace a plethora of high-profile labels with 30 on Proton's labels, dating back to a 2017 debut on Particles. Graduating onto Proton Music in late-2018, remixes for Sebastian Sellares, Petar Dundov and dernis, the kid have been noticeable highlights with the "Organik" and "Sunsweat" EPs showcasing the UK artist's original work. Now returning once more, the Imran Khan reworking of "Dreaming" opens with a beautifully crafted atmospheric soundscape that glistens around a thumping kick and low-slung grooved percussion. A smooth bassline evolves out of the rhythm as a swathe of effects, with their roots in the Nico and Diego's work, coruscate across the left-right spectrum. Dropping the beat momentarily, the original's central melodic character makes its presence felt at the breakdown before joining with the powerful and dynamic rhythmic section through the second half.

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

Dreaming / Continuation

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Nicolas Leonelli & Diego R - Continuation

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