An artist with an impressive recent history, Chicago born, Greece based, Savvas, returns to Proton Music with the brand new "Crescent Moon" EP. Making his label debut with a trio of remixes between 2019 and 2021, a debut original EP followed in February 2022 via "Reminisce" as three original tracks plus remixes from RIGOONI and Vridian showcased an exceptional offering. With another triptych to his name, the "Crescent Moon" title track is a beautifully evocative piece that evolves majestically over its 9-minute duration. Hypnotic keys and counterpoint melodies fire off each other as strings, pads and effects take their turn vying for listener attention in the resulting rich opener. "Wonder' quickly creates a melancholy vibe with its delicate piano sequences that extend in organic fashion across a rock-steady kick and shuffling percussion. Beautifully imagined vocal phrasing adds to the air of sadness and delicacy as a smooth arpeggio provides another graceful tone in the latter stages along with strings and sympathetic melody. Sparkling arpeggiated sequences immediately highlight an upbeat air in "Lullaby" before they drift away at the mid-point allowing for strong rhythmic elements to come to the fore. A further combination of meticulously engineered elements sees a second half suffused with poise and lightness of touch.

Juan Deminicis has been a staple of the Proton Music catalogue for more than a decade. Since a 2012 debut, the Argentinean has released five original EPs that have seen such stellar offerings as "Behind the Sun", "Life on the Moon" and July 2022's "Cycles". Remixes for GMJ, Mark Slee and Michael A have seen equally impressive production work as Juan Deminicis now returns with a typically assured reworking of "Crescent Moon". Through a trademark rolling groove and intricate rhythmic framework, the central motif of Savvas' original is reworked in mesmerising fashion as a cast of new production material join forces, not least in a piercing new melodic phrase and whispering vocal cut that make a play in the second half. Organic house elements flow through the 7-minute interpretation with flute and traditional instruments combining as Juan Deminicis once again demonstrates why his production work is so sought after.

Another Proton Music regular with such celebrated releases as "Divine", "Losing Part of Me" and "Asante", Andrea Cassino has been at the forefront of the progressive house scene for almost 15 years. Remixes for Kamilo Sanclemente and Dabeat, Rudy, Michael A and GMJ have also been notable highlights in the Italian-born producer's star-studded portfolio, as he now returns to remix Savvas. Characterised by an effortless bouncing bass groove and immaculately syncopated percussion, the Andrea Cassino interpretation of "Wonder" retains some of the core melodic themes while turning it into a rolling, club-friendly gem. Sweeping string passages and the haunting vocal prevalent in the original make their presence heard, particularly at the atmospheric and evocative breakdown before the mesmerising groove takes hold once more.

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