A Particles regular, Chihaka returns to the label with his third original EP in the shape of "Ndarasika". Showcasing his varied production skillset, the South African artist shone through October 2019's "Nyara" and May 2020's "Pinda" while remixes for Pole Folder, Ric Niels and about : river have shown another side of his production craftsmanship. The title track is an elegantly crafted affair with smooth percussive flow and beautiful melodic riffs that glitter and glide in rippling delayed glory. A guitar riff comes to the fore in a stripped back breakdown as a powerful drop brings emotion and spine-tingling joy to "Ndarasika" with its epic key changes and mirrored bassline. Partner track "Kupisa" continues the strong melodic narrative as a pitched and squelchy synth pluck bends a path over powerful beat and shaker-driven percussion. A sub-bassline adds depth while a beautiful piano layer adds emotion to the filtered synth elements at the mid-point. The result is an immaculately crafted affair that adds to Chihaka's already potent Particles arsenal.

Petar Dundov is an iconic figure within the underground dance fraternity. A litany of releases for the most prominent labels has been accompanied by a growing list on Proton Music, not least in December 2020's "Salvation / Nature of Nature" EP and the forthcoming "Spark / Day Unseen". Remixes of Huminal and Simos Tagias have added to that portfolio as the Croatian now makes his Particles debut. Taking on "Ndarasika", the Petar Dundov remix is fuelled by a trademark hypnotic framework that bristles with analogue power as bassline and arpeggio pave the way for sparkling synth overdubs. Hitting its stride with clever use of Chihaka's original components, a sympathetic key change sees the running bassline hold sway as melodic elements shift around it. The result is an interpretation that illustrates why Dundov is always in-demand as the guitar part so prominent in the original swirls around an epic third movement.

A strong collaborative bond sees about : river continue to ride an increasingly powerful wave of success. Through a blend of dance music credentials and organic instrumentation, the father and son partnership has been a regular on the likes of Nie Wieder Schlafen, not least in 2020's "Silver Dusk" EP. June 2021's Go Into The Mist" was a remarkable Particles debut EP with its thematic flow and remixes from Chihaka and Dandara. Now, about : river return the favour with a stunning reworking of "Ndarasika" that melds the twin skillsets of Oleg and Ervin. A striking percussive groove creates a head-shaking backdrop for Chihaka's production elements to take centre stage before a huge Moog bassline from about : river enters the fray in unexpected manner. Repeating itself throughout the second half, broken beats and familiar melodies are wrapped around new production material in an intriguing and innovative new remix.

Shining brightly with "Ndarasika", Chihaka once again displays remarkable talent, suitably complemented by Petar Dundov and about : river.

Directed by Jay Epoch
AandR by Marina Gerardi
Mastered by Cid Inc., Petar Dundov, about: river
Design by Ben Mautner
Text by James Warren