JOHN BARERA レコード& CD

Review: John Barera has always brought an extra special musicality to his deep house tunes over the years. This time out he joins forces with Brian Abelson for a six-track excursion that works well beyond the confines of a dancefloor. 'The Prelude' is a gorgeous downbeat cut that sounds like it's been played live with lo-fi drums and funk bass riffs. 'The Arc' is surging and soulful deep techno and 'I Am Free' is a driving cut with jumbled percussion and loose claps under a passionate vocal cry. The magic continues through the electro-tinged breaks of 'Another Night', twisted Balearic bass of 'I Was There' and funky drumming of 'The Return'. Brilliantly varied and tasteful.

Review: When Boston pair John Barera and Will Martin first appeared on Steffi's Dolly Tracks label last year, their brand of impeccably produced classicist house music felt right at home. Since that contribution to a split 12", Barera and Martin have become increasingly part of the Dolly family with a full 12" release earlier this year now complemented by Graceless, both the duo's and the label's debut LP. Some eight tracks deep, Graceless comes across as a masterclass in modern, punchy house music filled with soul with plenty of variety in tone and feel shown throughout. A very strong offering from Barera and Martin that is likely to be a record the busier house selectors pull for again and again.