Luis León, Unseener - Concorde by Proton

An artist with a long and varied career, dating back over a decade, Luis León continues to chart a path of innovation with his ‘diverse musical landscapes'. Returning to Proton Music, after a year's absence, he returns in a collaboration with Unseener to present, "Concorde".

Peruvian born but ensconced in his current Barcelona home, Luis León is a notable producer and co-founder of the Blankhaus label. Able to point to a portfolio of appearances on over a century of releases, the Spanish-based artist initially found success with a series of high-profile bootleg remixes. Going on to release original and remix production material on the likes of Manjumasi, Nie Wieder Schlafen and Chapter 24 Records, a Proton Music debut in January 2023 saw a remix of Erdi Irmak. Returning to the label, Luis León now teams up with Unseener after their collaborative work saw success on Blankhaus, as the duo debut with "Concorde". Opening with a shimmering synth backdrop, an intricate rhythmic framework quickly makes its mark as a breakbeat pattern fills the soundstage with a head-shaking groove and meticulous percussive patterns. A haunting female vocal elevates the track further as it melts enticingly across the exquisitely timed piece. The beautiful combination of vocal and melody, combined with dynamic rhythm, thus creates a truly memorable offering.

The legendary figure of Petar Dundov has been a regular contributor to the Proton Music catalogue since a June 2019 debut remixing Simos Tagias. Since then, December 2020's "Salvation" and October 2021's "Spark" has seen stellar original releases from the Croatian star. Returning to the label for the first time since a remix of Desaturate in early 2022, the Petar Dundov remix is yet another masterpiece of melodic prowess as a high-energy reworking makes virtue of the breakbeat foundation, turning it into a powerful setting for elegant piano and sumptuous melodies from the original to make their presence felt. A huge, sustained bassline adds gravitas against the light vocal flourishes before a trademark arpeggio blossoms post- breakdown in another stunning interpretation from the Petar Dundov studio.

Another long-time friend of Proton family, Juan Deminicis is Argentinean progressive royalty. An artist of innumerable talents, the Buenos Aires based artist is responsible for almost a half-century of production credits across its two labels. 30 of those can be found on Proton Music where "Behind the Sun", "Synchronicity", "Water" and "Cycles" have lit up the label with an array of original material. Remixes for the likes of Michael A, Mark Slee and Savvas have shown another side to the Juan Deminicis production character as his reworking of "Concorde" showcases yet another elegantly sculpted offering. Using a 4/4 beat and a rapid-fire hi-hat/shaker combination, melodic lines from the original filter into range as a new rippling arpeggio adds so the sonic melange. A spine-tingling new bassline sequence and repeated motif continue to maintain urgency and dynamism while the vocals from the original scud easily across the 8-minute piece featuring prominently at the beatless breakdown. Hitting is stride once more in the second half an additional piano phrase supplies another majestic moment.

Flying high into rarefied atmosphere, Luis León & Unseener have hit new heights with "Concorde", additionally supported by Petar Dundov and Juan Deminicis.

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