Within the big bunch of electronic releases in the field of the world wide spreading new beat maker scene, “A Contemporary Witness” by J. Baracuz could be one of the highlights this year. Baracuz is, which sets him apart from many of his peers, able to combine his sound design skills on controller and mpc with delicate arrangements and a good sense for song structures.

The opening track of the EP, “The Overture”, juggles with string and piano samples while it is underlined by percussive and driving beats. The tune is as much “on point” as the impulsive second track “One Way Ticket”. Regardless of the moderate tempo the song is straight forward, involves vocal shreds and synth sounds und even manages to switch over to a Sci Fi Dub part in the middle. Next up, “Jazzy Conqueror”, clocking in at 6 minutes, is the longest piece on the EP. In this track, J. Baracuz proves one more time his talent for structure and arrangement. It is primarily based on organic samples, while being equipped with some glitches here and there. The last song, “Everyone’s the Same” concludes the EP in an enjoyable way with its expressive Soul Folk Electronica vibe.

After a creative break Baracuz has spent with studying, travelling and digging for records, “A Contemporary Witness” is a big step forward for him. The whole EP impresses with detailed and meticulous production, while it still seems to be done with the greatest of ease. Being the 5th EP on Equinox.Digital, the sublabel of the Berlin based Electronica label Equinox Records, it successfully follows the previously released works by Deckard, David Vangel and 2econd Class Citizen.

Selected Quotes:

“The track “Jazzy Conqueror” is a masterpiece – rhythmically & the mood!! Nice!! It reminds me of the good years of Prefuse 73 & Forss! Addin it to my top 10 serato playlist!”
Fulgeance / France (Musique Large / MPM)

“A seriously head nodding groove layered with samples and melodies just as we like it.”
Rhythm Incursions

“I don’t know, maybe I’m in very good mood today, or maybe (quite possibly actually) A Contemporary Witness EP is one of the absolute best electronic releases I’ve heard in a long while.”
Trippin’ The Rift

„That’s goood!”
m.path.iq / We Are… On Air!

“There are big chances that we playlist the great “One Way Ticket” – but all the rest of the EP is dope too. Breaks, chops, groove, some well placed vocals, great themes and intensity explosions, what more could we ask for?”
Turnsteak / France

“Did it come from the year 2021 where all the people dance and sing to these kind of songs? Sounds like this.”
Demokracy / Russia