Definitive Classics gears up for a busy 2024 with a newly remastered reissue of Barada's ‘Baradatrax III’ EP, marking its first release of the New Year.
Barada is an alias of American Bryan Zentz, a key player in the emergence of the original tech house sound back in the 90s. This EP marked his second outing on Definitive Recordings in 1994 and very much exemplifies his ability to cook up club-rocking, acid-laced sounds.
Opener 'Black Magic' layers up pristine drum loops with thudding kicks and militant snare work that straightens the back and gets you marching. It's a razor-sharp tool that is followed by the sublime 'Gasoline' (Prozac Mix) with its wonky acid lines and chunky tech house drum funk. Explosions of synth wash over the mix in waves of euphoria as the sounds of the 303 get ever more prickly. 'Peroxide' takes on a moody and mysterious deep space tech house vibe. Its eerie pads and spraying acid keep you guessing and always on the move. Last but not least is the most direct of the lot - 'Plaza' veers into techno territory with lacerating synths and quickened grooves pumping the dance floor hard.
Barada's Baradatrax III EP is a definitive slice of prime-era tech house that more than stands up today.
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