From his home in South Argentina, Alan Cerra makes a welcome return to Particles with a pair of new original tracks and a remix from the iconic figure of Gai Barone, as he showcases "The End of the Line".

An artist with more than a double century of production credits to his name, Alan Cerra has come a long way since a debut for 3rd Avenue in late-2019. Since then, a host of original and remix production material has appeared on the likes of Mango Alley, Juicebox Music, AH Digital and Miss Monique's Siona Records. Finding his way onto Particles in July 2023, the "Opposite Ways" EP saw twin original tracks from the Santa Cruz resident grace the label with a pair of standout remixes from Blood Groove and Kikis and Sebastian Sellares.

Now returning, the title track is a pounding melodic house number that oozes bassline drive and rhythmic intensity. Haunting pads add delicate juxtaposition before a syncopated motif hints at what is to come. Maintaining its bass intensity through the beatless breakdown, "End of the Line" pauses for breath before the rhythmic foundation engages dancefloor force once more in the third movement. Moreover, the plucked motif of earlier phases comes full to the floor in a display of smooth production prowess.

Partner track, "For All Time" hits the ground running with a graceful grooved bass sequence and perfectly placed rhythmic backdrop. Evolving with easy elegance, a soul-stirring motif leads the way before being joined with cascading arpeggiated sequence and lead. A cinematic breakdown adds a swathe of new sound textures and shimmering emotion before the track drops into familiar groove-laden territory and searing synth through the second half.

Gai Barone has been a welcome addition to the Particles catalogue since a label debut remixing Verche's "Riptide" with some time production partner, Luke Brancaccio. 14 months later then saw an appearance on Mortinaire's "Amped" album remixing "Somewhere". With almost 750 credits to his name on some of the industry's finest imprints, the Bologna-based star with releases on such esteemed imprints as Sprout, Black Hole, JOOF and Afterglow, now reworks "End of the Line" with typical aplomb.

Making excellent use of the bassline dominance of the original, a huge low-end swell builds in energy before a hypnotising arpeggio, filters into range with its searing and vibrato edge. A chorus of effects and soundscapes then evolve before the heavy beat and offbeat hats drop back into a rhythmic collage. Waxing and waning with ease in a track chock-full of production and dancefloor knowhow, Gair Barone's reworking of "The End of the Line" is a powerful reminder of why the Italian sits at the head of underground dance's top table.

A new EP and a remix from Gai Barone have illustrated that Alan Cerra is far from reaching "The End of the Line".

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