Andrea Cassino & Lio Q - Asante by Proton

Andrea Cassino has been a long-term contributor to the Proton Music catalogues in both solo and collaborative guises. After a 2017 debut with his "Divine" and 2019's "Losing Part of Me" EPs, the Argentinean based artist returns with his twin-track "Asante". In collaboration with Bueno Aries resident, Lio Q, signed to the likes of UV, Clubsonica Records and Nick Warren's The Soundgarden, Andrea & Cassino & Lio Q present "Asante".

The title track is a flowing rhythmic offering that explodes into life with syncopated motif and strong dancefloor character. Free-flowing synth phrases add a moment of contemplation that reach a zenith at the breakdown, while the second half continues the powerful rhythmic groove as bass, melody combine in hypnotic fashion. "Karibu" continues the exceptional percussive drive of its partner-track as an African-inspired melodic phrase adds context and sonic imagination. Pulsating gently as it weaves a path across a magical 9-minute voyage, shimmering synth plucks at the breakdown extend into the post-breakdown zenith along with a glorious array of uplifting counterpoint phrasing.

Producing from his Córdoba studio at the base of the Sierra Chicas mountains, Sebastian Sellares is an artist who has shone brightly since a 2018 debut for PHW Elements. Hitting the heights on the likes of UV, onedotsixtwo and Meanwhile, October 2020's "Jinsei / Zen State" was a Proton Music high point as the two original tracks were joined by remixes from Nick Muir and Matias Chilano. Now returning, the Sebastian Sellares remix is a powerful tour de force that grasps the themes central to the original and transforms "Asante" in a mesmerising and brooding club floor-filler that oozes class with its rhythmic intricacy and smooth melodic phrasing. Building effortlessly into the breakdown, chord changes and rousing crescendo pave the way for the rhythmic intensity and dramatic melodies to make their presence felt in the third movement to devastating effect.

A Proton Music debutant, Gaston Ponte has already demonstrated his considerable talent on an array of blue-chip labels and a double century of production credits on the likes of Balkan Connection, Soundteller Records and Stellar Fountain. Mentored by Andrea Cassino, it is not difficult to hear the skill and craftsmanship that has gone into the Argentinean's reworking of "Asante". Through a combination of intelligent use of the component sounds found in the original plus impressive new production material, the Gaston Ponte remix glistens with a new melodic narrative with its roots firmly in Cassino & Lio Q's track. A pulsating and rasping bassline add to the dynamic interpretation in the second half to create a club-friendly offering that is certain to have global appeal.

Two new original tracks from Andrea Cassino & Lio Q plus remixes from Sebastian Sellares and Gaston Ponte has given global appeal and a warm welcome to "Asante".

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