A relative newcomer to the underground dance fraternity, Rayomand has made a considerable splash since an early 2019 debut for Submarine Vibes with his "Untold Stories". The "Feelings" EP for Particles in March 2020 marked an impressive first outing on the label as the Kolkata based producer now returns with "Running Away", mixed by Khordad Edulji at Le Bijou Studio. The title track is a beautifully imagined piece that meanders enticingly, with fluid piano motif and lazy percussive backdrop providing an emotive combination. Subtly introduced, layers of filtered arpeggio and memorable effects build into the second half with ease, as clever gating introduces an intelligent new cadence. "Textures" provides a slightly more upbeat moment where strong beat and immaculately programmed bassline interact with each other in pristine fashion. A glittering arpeggio flies across the stereo spectrum in dizzying manner while pulsating pads and smoothly imagined keys create wonderfully layered moments. Hitting the heights in the third movement, innovative pitching and crunchy saturation creates an impressively imagined track.

Hailing from the sprawling Sao Paolo megalopolis, Vínicius Souza has been a force to be reckoned with through his RIGOONI production moniker. A 2018 debut for Digiment Records has quickly seen the Brazilian go on to feature on Nick Warren's Balance compilation, before appearances on Anjunadeep, The Soundgarden and Roger Martinez's Higher States. Now making his Particles debut, the RIGOONI remix of "Running Away" is a supremely crafted affair that glistens with popping, clicking percussive effects that pave the way for ethereal vocal breaths to add a melancholic air. Creating a familiar air with the chord progressions fundamental to Rayomand's original, new melodies emerge in emotive fashion while the arpeggio central to the original, makes its presence felt in the second half atop metronomic grooved bassline and pounding beat.

Andrea Cassino needs little introduction with a back catalogue that has seen him at the forefront of the dance music industry for two decades. Firmly settled in his adopted Argentinean home, the Italian has been a regular contributor to Proton Music and Particles with both production partner, Alex Laben, and subsequently in impressive solo guise. 2017's "Divine" EP marked a debut solo outing on Proton Music with "Losing Part of Me" following in September 2020. A perfect sextet of remixes have found their way onto Particles for the likes of Nicolas Rada, Danny Lloyd and Simos Tagias, while a seventh now sees Andrea Cassino return to rework Rayomand. A pulsating, progressive house gem, a powerful bassline groove lays the foundation for elements from the original to sit enticingly on top, not least in the pitched effects so central to "Running Away". Creating a new melodic phrasing with its roots in Rayomand's work, Andrea Cassino's skill is to create a powerful and evocative interpretation that adds real gravitas to proceedings before subtle arpeggiated refrains make their presence felt in the final movement.

Through a pair of original tracks and remixes from RIGOONI and Andrea Cassino, Rayomand is "Running Away" with success.

Directed by Jay Epoch
AandR by Marina Gerardi
Mastered by Cid Inc., RIGOONI, Andrea Cassino
Design by Ben Mautner
Text by James Warren