#1 Feat. New Releases in Overall

An artist with a powerful story to tell, Hrag Mikkel has been at the forefront of underground dance music since 2017. Now returning to Proton Music for a debut original EP, "Cosmic Bliss / Silver Night" continues that adventure. Born and raised in Lebanon under a raft of challenging circumstances, Hrag Mikkel's voice has resonated loudly through his inspiring sound and sonic mastery. A regular on the likes of Pipe & Pochet, Kindisch and Armen Miran's Hoomidaas, Hrag made a memorable mark on Proton Music with a glorious reworking of Nōpi's "Liquid Week" with fellow countryman Pambouk in April 2021. Now providing the label with two original tracks, "Cosmic Bliss" is a wonderfully imagined work that combines organic and synthesised melodies in sublime symbiosis. An effortless groove provides subtle urgency as glassy keys and counterpoint motifs collide gently against each other to create a palette of brilliant sonic colours. Rippling through a beatless break, melodic elements pick up the pace once more in the second half with poise and grace. "Silver Night" carries the same percussive liquidity as its counterpart with familiar elements continuing the narrative groove. Immaculately placed riffs cascade around each other in a delightful call and response as delayed synths and smooth keys create the perfect juxtaposition. Waxing and waning with ease, the various sonic elements create a typically rich aural tapestry that effortlessly showcases the Hrag Mikkel sound. Jamie Stevens has been creating standout dance music productions for over two decades, both as part of the award-winning Infusion band and in solo guise. A veteran of such esteemed imprints as Bedrock, Lost & Found, Selador and Sudbeat Music, the Australian has been a regular on Proton Music since late 2019 with a quartet of exquisite remixes. Reworking Rudy, Petar Dundov, Magitman, and James Monro (the latter in April 2023), Jamie returns to Proton Music with a fifth remix. Reimagining "Cosmic Bliss", a powerful rhythmic force immediately comes to the fore with superb jungle sounds reminiscent of Future Sound of London forming an atmospheric backdrop. Taking familiar motifs from the original, his skill is to rework them into an evocative 9-minute extravaganza that fires off in new directions, not least in a spine-tingling bass progression and meandering pads. Hitting its stride with a storming breakbeat pattern in the second half, the combination of melodic prowess and dancefloor force illustrates a supreme talent still at the top of his game. The final remix sees Pablo Maneiro make his Proton Music debut through his Mayro production soubriquet. Author of over 150 production credits, the Argentinean star quickly found his place through his effortless merging of genres which led to a 2018 debut on Renesanz. Since then, music signed to the likes of Mango Alley, Perspectives Digital and Miss Monique's Siona Records has seen Mayro making sizeable headlines supported but Eelke Kleijn, Armen Miran and Cid Inc. A clutch of releases on Particles was punctuated by the impressive "Crazy Thoughts" EP in mid-2022 as Mayro now makes his Proton Music debut. Reworking "Cosmic Bliss", a driving beat and ticking off-beat percussion provides a club-friendly framework from which familiar melodic phrases make their presence felt. Adding an array of additional production material in the shape of new motifs and shimmering effects, Hrag Mikkel's track is taken in a dramatic new direction, not least via a rasping, razor-edged bassline groove that powers the remix forwards. Pulsating waves of pads and stereo-panned effects add to the vibrancy in the second half to create a dynamic and visceral offering. Two original tracks plus stunning remixes from Jamie Stevens and Mayro find Hrag Mikkel in a state of sonic "Cosmic Bliss". Directed by Jay Epoch Mastered by Cid Inc. Design by Ben Mautner Text by James Warren

Hrag Mikkel