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After a May 2022 debut on Particles, Maximilian Peter returns to Particles with his Kerosino production moniker. “Kerosino II” continues where the German artist’s first eponymous album left off and remixes join three new originals from Hrag Mikkel and about river.
Opening proceedings, “Batiri” is a smooth 10-minute offering that shimmers with beautifully arpeggiated synth lines and metronomic beat. A head-shaking metallic percussion adds to the groove while shuffling hi-hats creates another layer of syncopation. In tandem, a delicate 303-inspired motif coruscates across the track, rising and falling with gentle energy. “Tikila” immediately appeals with its darker edge as a deep kick lock quickly against a repetitive bass groove. Changing perceptions through melodic persuasion, a lighter motif meanders across the track making its presence felt with filtered energy as it syncopates elegantly with bass and rhythm. The final piece of the jigsaw sees a digitized voice proclaim the “Tikila” title at regular intervals throughout. The third track finds “Zazafi” presenting a dance-friendly bass groove sat within a tight kick and sharp percussion. Following the same narrative as its EP partners, a beautifully sculpted arp makes its mark with plucked ease. At the same time, a wonderfully sustained bassline progression adds a touch of class at the breakdown before a rousing crescendo and spoken sample heralds the return of melody, rhythm, and groove through the third movement.
A powerful force within the Lebanese underground dance fraternity, Hrag Mikkel has found a way of turning the adversity felt in his homeland into a steady supply of dynamic and sought-after productions. Finding his music featured on some of the finest modern imprints: from Pipe and Pochet and Proton Music to Hoomidaas and Harabe, the Beirut star makes his Particles debut with a stunning reimagining of “Flamencano” from Kerosino’s debut. Upping the tempo from the original, the Hrag Mikkel remix evolves quickly into a joyous rhythmic groove as beautiful synth lines swirl across the track in counterpoint patterns. Retaining the underlying themes from Kerosino’s stripped-back original, Mikkel’s skill is to open up new melodic paths with a swathe of additional production that creates a powerful dancefloor gem. Glittering into the second half with new piano phrases and a deep sub-bass groove, the result is a superb new reworking.
Regulars on Particles over the past 12 months, the father and son double act of Oleg and Ervin Ivanov have created quite a stir with their about: river pseudonym. Hitting early heights with their “Go Into The Mist” EP in June 2021, the Estonian pair showcased their unique sound to the Particles faithful before “Round Table Jams: In Between (Live)” provided a moment of electronica reflection and seven cuts of rare beauty in April 2022. Remixes for Davide Ferrario and Chihaka are now joined by a third with another reworking of “Flamencano”. Full of melodic sensitivity, the about: river remix quickly creates a strong rhythmic and melodic groove that captures themes from Kerosino’s original before adding layers of subtle intrigue, not least through Ervin’s haunting clarinet lines. Retaining echoes of Kerosino’s rhythmic structure, the result is another trademark offering from the about: river studio, full of poise beauty, and grace.
Directed by Jay Epoch A and R by Marina Gerardi
Mastered by HP Mastering, Cid Inc.
Design by Ben Mautner
Text by James Warren
Release date: August 19th, 2022.