Alto Astral - I Am by Proton

Argentinean duo, Alto Astral, have risen quickly to prominence in recent times with their mature production sound and ethereal vocal arrangements. Already regulars on such esteemed imprints as MNL, Or Two Strangers and Nick Warren's The Soundgarden, the Barcelona-based pair return with their own very special project in the shape of "Heartbeat Collective".

First conceived at Amsterdam Dance Event 2023 after discussions with the Proton Music team, Alto Astral have meticulously curated a compilation of the highest order featuring both Argentinean and Greek artists and a pair of original tracks from the duo themselves. The result is a spectacular extravaganza showcasing a quintet of modern progressive house music encapsulating a magical musical narrative. As Alto Astral's Martina expounds, "themes surrounding love, unity and empathy" are all present, but juxtaposed against the "powerful, strong and even slightly furious energy of the current world."

"I Am" is a beautiful opener that drifts easily through its combination of ethereal drone and smooth breakbeat rhythm. A cavernous sub-bassline adds depth aplenty while a wonderfully catchy vocal hook floats elegantly across the piece with vocal harmonies creating a majestic sense of open space and sublime emotion. "You & Us" continues the smooth melodic narrative while a chest-thumping 4/4 kick beats out a metronomic anchor. Pads and twinkling arpeggios create delicate melodic interplay as they rise and fall throughout, and a swirling breakdown introduces a loquacious vocal. The second half introduces a new rhythmic urgency and a huge bassline groove to proceedings with dynamic effect.

Label regular, Juan Deminicis, has thrilled Proton Music with a slew of original and remix material and it is an honour to see him represented on "Heartbeat Collective" with the typically mature and deeply flowing "Astral Odyssey". Replete with rhythmic poise and grace, thickly textured pads vie with a delayed arp and lead motif. A beautiful vocal harmony lilts easily as it echoes across the beatless mid-point before the pace is picked up once more in the second half where vocal layers and counterpoint melody join forces to close out the third movement.

Greek legend and long-time Proton Music friend, Simos Tagias, joins the collective party with "Missile". Redolent in typically impressive club-friendly credentials, a rolling, head-shaking groove swings across the 7-minute track with dynamic drive as immaculately cadenced synth notes add sonic intrigue and seething dancefloor vitality. Reaching a rousing crescendo where all melodic components join forces to a compelling zenith, "Missile" drops back to its delicious ever-present groove in the final stages.

Newcomer, Andrés Moris is the final beating heart of the Alto Astral collective as the Córdoba resident builds on success found for the likes of Sudbeat Music, Mango Alley and Juicebox Music. Contributing to the release courtesy of "Connected", Andrés' skill is to create a cone-melting bassline sequence that fills the low-end in imposing fashion. Shimmering synth lines then ripple atop, delicately swimming across the stereo spectrum with a hint of steel drum resonance. A garrulous spoken vocal phrase delivers a meditational air at the mid-point and into the third movement, while the melodic phrasing of earlier movements flow towards the track's conclusion in combination with the devastating bassline pattern.

Five pieces of masterful production from a quartet of progressive house's finest exponents see Alto Astral truly part of a life-affirming "Heartbeat Collective".

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