Hitting multiple milestones with his "One Side of the Underground" series, Rick Pier O'Neil returns with a fourth volume that includes three originals and remixes from UK and Greek mainstays.

A celebrated trio responsible for a host of high-profile releases on an array of labels including their own Kunai Records and Mistique Music imprints, "The Sinner" sees Rick Pier O'Neil and Michael & Levan and Stiven Rivic join forces on a deep and dark progressive offering that revels in rolling bass groove and driving rhythm. A rich array of melodic layers evolve effortlessly through the piece, swimming across the left-right spectrum as breathy vocal phrases juxtapose against an overdriven bass motif with sinister authority. "Votan" continues the driving beat of the opener adding intricate percussive cadence and hypnotic bassline power. White-noise washes add a sense of space before of reverb-laden and delay-drenched motif joins a swathe of textured pads. Pitch-bent analogue bass notes add further intrigue in the breakdown and third movement to devasting effect in a wonderfully atmospheric track. The immediate dancefloor rhythms of "Ixchel" provide the perfect framework for light and airy melodic phrases to sweep across the mid-range with ease. Coupled to a smooth and free-flowing lead line and syncopated arpeggio, the track is a cleverly orchestrated piece of sonic craftsmanship.

A regular on Proton Music with a raft of original music including 2017's full-length album, "In the Ether", James Monro has been dining at underground dance music's top table for many years. 2013's "Fonik", 2015's "Nectar" and January 2020's "Drift" EP have all highlighted Monro's remarkable attention to detail and devastating dancefloor power, honed from decades spent behind the decks at clubs and festivals across the globe. Returning to the label after February's remix of Subconscious Tales, James Monro has taken "Manipulation" on an extraordinary progressive breaks trip that acts as a time-machine to the halcyon days of the genre with its pulsating and rasping bassline and symphonic landscape that delights with texture, energy and emotion in abundance. Cleverly reinterpreting O'Neil's original, James Monro has succeeded in reinventing a sound that will resonate with a huge range of listeners through its stuttered breakbeat rhythms, raw power and melodic intrigue.

Savvas is another artist requiring little introduction to the Proton Music and Particles faithful. The Chicago born, Greek based artist has featured regularly on the latter since August 2017's remix of Michael A, before September 2019's "Mindfulness" EP saw a pair of originals accompanied by remixes from Imran Khan and Izzet. A single remix of Erdi Irmak's "Nothing Lasts" represents the Savvas contribution to Proton Music as he now follows up with a smooth and hypnotic reinterpretation of "Earth Mover". A framework of grooved bassline and ticking percussive groove combine effortlessly with O'Neil's original elements before a glassy and delayed arpeggiated motif ripples across the 9-minute track. Building through layers of counterpoint melody and sumptuous effects, the result is a brilliantly contemplative remix.

Directed by Jay Epoch
A&R by James Warren
Mastered by Rick Pier O'Neil, Grant Collins, Cid Inc.
Design by Ben Mautner
Text by James Warren

One Side of the Underground, Vol. 4

Buy on Beatport

Rick Pier O'Neil, Michael & Levan and Stiven Rivic - The Sinner (Original Mix)

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