The Arc by John Barera & Brian Abelson

John Barera & Brian Abelson tell a story through an eclectic album on New York's favorite Toucan Sounds.

Art by Toucan Sounds

Ambient synths, a deep bassline, and trickling plucks form "The Prelude," this is the introduction to an LP oozing character, told by Allergy Season and Heist artist John Barera & Beats In Space and Haus of Altr affiliate Brian Abelson. After being eased in by the opener, the title track, "The Arc," picks up speed with hypnotic arpeggios and doom-spelling harmonies, working in unison to build up tension throughout its five-minute runtime. This is before toucan sounds' resident vocalist Brandon Markell Holmes enters with a soft-sung ballad. Barera and Abelson's intricate instrumentation forms a subtle and effective backbone to Holmes' unrivaled voice.

This is a varied album, touching on groove-laden dance tracks like "I Was There" and "I Am Free" to the sluggish trip of "I Believe." Summarising the LP perfectly, "The Return" closes out the release with the infectious strum of a bass guitar and carefully designed layers of melody that speak endlessly to the imagination, much like the rest of the full-length.

Once dubbed one of the "New York techno scene's hardest working DJs" by Resident Advisor, John Barera has honed his craft via his Cross Street label and appearances on labels such as Soul Clap and Dolly. His style ranges from techno and electro to house and acid, and has seen him grace the halls of influential international clubs like Panorama Bar, Fabric, Razzmatazz, and many more.

Brian Abelson is responsible for co-producing and writing records on labels like Beats in Space, Haus of Altr, Sinderlyn, and more while holding down a residency at New York's celebrated Bossa Nova Civic Club. After a recent glimpse at collaboration via their 2022 "Myrtle Ave Wetlands" on Sorry Records, NYC scene stalwarts Abelson and Barera now team up for an LP rooted in left-field house music, combining their wealth of influences and experience to deliver a quality vinyl album full of unique artistic expression.

John Barera & Brian Abelson - The Arc
Release Date 30th June 2023
Label Toucan Sounds

Tracklist
01. John Barera & Brian Abelson - The Prelude
02. John Barera & Brian Abelson - The Arc
03. John Barera, Brian Abelson & Brandon Markell Holmes - Another Night feat. Deidre & The Dark
04. John Barera & Brian Abelson - I Was There
05. John Barera & Brian Abelson - I Am Free
06. John Barera & Brian Abelson - I Believe
07. John Barera & Brian Abelson - The Return
08. John Barera, Brian Abelson & Brandon Markell Holmes - Another Night (Instrumental)