JOHN BARERA, WILL MARTIN — Graceless

John Barera & Will Martin – Graceless opens the Dolly Records catalogue with DOLLY020, a 12-inch vinyl that situates the Boston-based duo firmly in the deep house, tech house and Detroit-inflected terrain that defines the label’s current output. The debut album arrives on 9 October 2026 and offers eight tracks that blend sculptural arrangement with a narrative sense of club storytelling. Within Dolly’s spring-summer wave, Graceless shares its release date with a cluster of notable outings: Brooks Mosher’s “Don’t Say Goodbye” (DOLLY019), Duplex’s “First Day EP” (DOLLY016) and Rosati’s “Chasing The Sun LP” (DOLLYTS18), as well as Basic Soul Unit’s “Wallow” (DOLLY027) and Afik Naim’s “Songs For Tova” (DOLLY025). Earlier in the year the label issued Jani Ho’s “Soul Mechanica” (DOLLYTS13), Juri Heidemann’s “Echo Mute” (DOLLYTS11) and Thanos Hana’s “Sliced Glitter, No Shampoo” (DOLLYTS16), framing Graceless among a diverse roster of forward-looking house productions. Side A begins with the title track “Graceless”, a composition that establishes a measured groove and sets a contemplative mood for the record. It is followed by “Transfer”, which maintains the same rhythmic foundation while shifting the tonal palette, creating a subtle contrast that keeps the momentum flowing into the B-side. “In Passing” on side B deepens the atmosphere with a slightly more introspective vibe, and “Moonlight” adds a cooler, nocturnal sheen that works as a bridge toward the later cuts. The C-side opens with “It’s Alright”, a track that lifts the set with a brighter, more uplifting feel, before “Freefall” introduces a gentle descent in energy, offering DJs a moment to modulate the dancefloor’s intensity. Side D concludes with “Afterthought”, a reflective piece that provides space for transition, and finishes with “Patience”, a closing statement that balances restraint and forward drive, suitable for winding down a set or preparing for the next peak. For John Barera, Graceless follows the earlier “Message In The Air EP” (Off Track Recordings, OFF004, 2022), a 12-inch release that helped define the producer’s penchant for elegant, universal club tracks. The partnership with Will Martin, forged in a shared studio environment, extends that aesthetic into a fuller album format, showcasing a refined contemporary house language that aligns with Dolly’s curatorial direction. In the broader context of underground electronic music, the record exemplifies a synthesis of deep house warmth, tech house precision and Detroit’s rhythmic heritage. Its eight tracks provide a cohesive narrative while each maintains its own identity, making the release a notable entry both for the label’s 2026 slate and for the duo’s evolving discography. From a DJ’s perspective, the record offers multiple entry points: the steady pulse of “Graceless” and “Transfer” suit early-set building, the atmospheric “Moonlight” and “Freefall” work well for late-night transitions, and the concluding “Patience” supplies a graceful wind-down. Collectors will appreciate the consistent production quality across the sides and the way the sequencing supports varied set constructions. The release is pressed as a 12-inch vinyl, matching the format of the label’s recent output and delivering the tactile experience expected by house aficionados. John Barera & Will Martin – Graceless, Dolly Records, catalogue DOLLY020, 12-inch vinyl, eight tracks. Tracklist: A1. John Barera & Will Martin – Graceless A2. John Barera & Will Martin – Transfer B1. John Barera & Will Martin – In Passing B2. John Barera & Will Martin – Moonlight C1. John Barera & Will Martin – It's Alright C2. John Barera & Will Martin – Freefall D1. John Barera & Will Martin – Afterthought D2. John Barera & Will Martin – Patience