An artist who has made a name for himself with a cross-genre portfolio of choice cuts, Jody Barr has positioned himself at the cutting-edge of modern electronic music. Working from his well-equipped studio, the UK resident is “equally at home with melodic techno, acid and broken beats”, reinforcing a reputation that has seen him dine at underground dance music’s top table on a consistent basis.
A 2014 debut for Gruuv has subsequently seen a plethora of releases feature on Dave Seaman’s Selador, James Zabiela’s Born Electric, and Sasha’s Last Night On Earth. Indeed, it was for the latter that 2018 saw the techno infused ‘Marlon Brando‘ and melodic techno ‘Carson‘ EP a year later. Using his Portable Minds imprint as a further vehicle for his production talent, a series of original works have featured on the label after 2016’s ‘Culture Vulture‘ debut.
Following on with successful releases on BOg’s ATLANT, Nick Warren’s The Soundgarden, and the ever-reliable TRYBESof, a further notable highlight came via a 3-track EP collaboration with Hernan Cattaneo on “El Maestro’s” Sudbeat Music. Now making his Balance Music debut with the superb ‘Blue Rain‘, the title track is fuelled by a chunky rolling groove, fizzing hats and clave percussion, while a delay-infused synth line swims across the stereo spectrum in immaculate synchronicity and filtered intensity. Pausing for breath at a majestic breakdown, an emotive piano progression creates a light sonic touch in combination with warm sustained pads before the rhythm and melody of earlier movements hit their mark once more in the second half.
Driven by a deep kick and silky-smooth percussive backdrop, ‘Second Vale‘ quickly takes shape with its gloriously sustained bassline sequence. Full of emotion and dancefloor intent, melodic flourishes coruscate atop in perfectly cadenced patterns while a stripped back breakdown introduces a swathe of breathy vocals. Evolving easily through the rasping and pulsating bass sequence, ‘Second Vale‘ is certain to find favour with the DJ glitterati across the globe in spring and summer 2023.
Through a twin-track EP of the highest order, Jody Barr looks set to shower dancefloors with ‘Blue Rain‘.
Jody Barr – Blue Rain EP
1. Blue Rain
2. Second Vale
