From his home in the beautiful port city of Cartagena on Colombia's Caribbean coast, Gux Jimenez is an artist with a rich and varied musical history. Regular appearances on Balkan Connection, UV and fellow countryman, Juan Pablo Torrez's Clubsonica Records, have enhanced an already substantial reputation as Jimenez returns to Particles after a successful debut remixing Juan Deminicis. Now making his full EP debut, "Run Only Run" is a rip-roaring opener that combines gloriously emotive symphonic passages with growling bassline and driving rhythm. Rising and falling with ease, complementary arpeggios emerge in the second movement before extending further into a bright and breezy second half. Continuing the strong bass presence into "La Noche Y Tu", a thumping kick and off-beat percussion sit tightly around a smooth synth motif that glistens with delay. A counterpoint phrase makes its presence felt, full of emotion and sensitivity, as a stripped back breakdown allows the melodies to blossom before a bass driven final section hits its mark. The third original track sees the contemplative, "Colapso" enchant with sustained chord progressions and modulated pads. Spiky synth phrases provide a marked contrast as the track revels in head-shaking bass groove and intricate percussive programming. A changing sonic tapestry is gently revealed across the epic 8-minute piece to showcase Jimenez's skill and craftsmanship.

Filip Kaczmarek has created a long and storied history within the electronic music scene with his Kobana moniker. A regular on Particles and Proton Music with countless remixes and original production work, the Polish artist's full-length album, "The Riddle" was a notable highlight for the latter in 2014. A stellar array of powerful dance material has found its way onto Particles, not least with early production partners, Yan3dots and Mario Hatchet. Returning to the label for the first time since 2016, the Kobana remix of "Run Only Run" creates a gloriously textured reworking that cleverly uses the central themes of the original and transforms them into new melodic phrases that dip and climb in perfect sonic waves of filtered intensity. Enveloped in dancefloor knowhow, Kobana's skill is reinterpret Gux Jimenez's work with skill and ingenuity.

Hailing from Buenos Aires, Soulkeys has seen a clutch of releases since a 2013 debut for Balkan Connection South America, spread across such esteemed imprints as Aethereal, Stellar Fountain and One Of A Kind. A pair of remixes for Particles saw reworkings of Sam Heyman in 2019 and Rayomand in 2020, as the Argentinean now returns with a third remix. Taking on "La Noche Y Tu", the Soulkeys remix is built around the central melodic motif from the original as he develops a sublime array of additional production material to showcase his own talent. A 4/4 beat and shaker-propelled percussion provides dancefloor character while an emotive new piano sequence is a glorious highlight at the mid-point and into the beatless breakdown. The resultant interpretation is a tribute to Soulkeys' talent and craftsmanship.

Accompanied by Kobana and Soulkeys, Gux Jimenez has sprinted into the spotlight with his "Run Only Run" EP.

Directed by Jay Epoch
AandR by Marina Gerardi
Mastered by Gux Jimenez, Kobana, Cid Inc.
Design by Ben Mautner
Text by James Warren