JFR – 21 Angels [Secret Feelings]

Secret Feelings caps off a successful  first year with a new EP from label boss JFR. Hailing from Argentina but currently calling Spain home, Juan Franco Rivero aka JFR has carved out a unique sonic identity in the world of progressive and organic house, resulting in a string of uniquely crafted records that present a resonant worldly sound. Enjoying a steady rise since emerging 2017, it was 2021 which proved to be a breakout year for JFR, as the Argentine continued his upward trajectory with a standout release for UK behemoth Anjunadeep; a project which would lead to offerings via Clubsonica and Musique de Lune across the next calendar year, and in turn garnering support from Hernan Cattaneo, Nick Warren and Sebastian Leger. Having delivered the inaugural Secret Feelings release in September, JFR now returns to his comfortable home to round out the year with his most expansive project to date, a five track showcase entitled '21 Angels'.

The EP's first and also title offering '21 Angels' goes down as one of JFR's most accomplished pieces of music to date. Finding a perfect balance of groove and melody, this nostalgic Ibiza-tinged monster brings back memories of classic's on Hooj Choons with a modern day production twist. Fit for the heart of a main room set or a final sunrise selection, JFR has crafted an absolute classic here. Selection two 'I Dream of You' brings a pacier vibe with smooth rippling rhythms and sizzling lines throughout. This piece excels on it's use of a symphonic top line and key changing melodies to fill the space between those epic moments, while a brief and timely break brings it all together for an anthemic finish. 'Dilo' continues to push the pace with a similar uplifting energetic quality about it. Gated vocal stabs set a great rhythmic mood early on, perfectly playing off wavy arps and cascading melodies for a full on colourful musicality. For as rich and dense as it becomes the drop dials things back nicely for some breathing room, before a euphoric final act.

Selection four 'Deu' lands with a bit more of a melancholic or esoteric quality to it. Again bursting with ultrasonic energies and dance floor minded grooves, it's JFR's keen melody crafting skills which shine here, falling somewhere between trance-inducing and hip-swinging, there's a rolling cadence that wins you over when it's all said and done. The EP's closer 'Air Race' serves as the perfect finale to this up-tempo collection, with higher BPM's and a gyrating energy that's clearly geared for peak time play. Amidst the euphoric qualities lies a deeper more impactful message however, one which brings feelings of hope and reflection, which is a fitting conclusion to the great first year JFR and his Secret Feelings imprint have had. Highly recommended.

Buy: https://tinyurl.com/5n73r9ty

Release Date: 15-12-2023

Release Promo: http://releasepromo.com

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