30 Years of Freerange Records, Vol. 5 [12"]

Various Artists - 30 Years of Freerange Records, Vol. 5 [12"]

The final chapter of Freerange’s 30th anniversary series is presented with Volume 5, bringing together six brand new and exclusive tracks from across the Freerange family and beyond. As with the previous four volumes, it’s a snapshot of the label’s enduring musical DNA — deep, soulful, underground, and resolutely dancefloor-focused. And while this marks the end of the five-part vinyl series, the story isn’t quite over yet: in November, all five volumes will be brought together in a complete “30 Years of Freerange” box set, collecting all 30 tracks in one definitive and lovingly designed package. Kicking off the release Jimpster slips back into early-00s rolling house mode with “What U R”, a deep, groovy, and effortlessly bouncy workout that hits all the familiar sweet spots. Warm bass, tight drums, and a seriously infectious groove - Jimpster doing what he does best. Freerange has long admired the work of Last Nubian, so it feels particularly good to finally welcome some of his music to the label in the form of a killer track titled “Magic”. Teaming up with Tommy Rawson and featuring Redbird on vocals, they deliver a serious slice of London-style soulful house: deep, musical, and a rich melting pot of elements giving the track a distinctly UK flavor. Next up Crackazat goes full lo-slung boogie mode on “Groove Again”, bringing the funk with his trademark hooky synth stabs, Moog bassline, and irresistibly crunchy drum groove. A feel-good jam complete with Crackazat’s own vocals, making for a track with bags of character and just the right amount of grit. Flipping over, Toronto-based producer Reagan Grey makes her Freerange debut with “Sidewalks”, delivering a solid slice of deep house designed squarely for the dancefloor. Hypnotic, stripped-back, and subtly driving, it’s a track that gets under your skin without ever needing to shout about it. Next we have Simbad who brings his own inimitable style to “This Joint”, a mid-tempo deep house groove with plenty of space, soul, and swing. Adding another layer of Detroit magic, legendary producer Andrés (of New 4 U / KDJ / Mahogany Music / Moods n Grooves fame) contributes percussion and vocals, making for a beautiful meeting of Cape Town and Motor City sensibilities. Having already delivered the excellent “Detoronto” EP for Freerange, Canadian duo Toronto Hustle & Sean Roman round things off in fine style with “Unconscious Therapy (The Dancer)”. A rolling, deep, and hypnotic groove that gradually pulls you in, locking into that sweet spot between heads-down house music and late-night dancefloor ecstasy. With Volume 5, the “30 Years of Freerange” series reaches its final destination - six more exclusive cuts completing a collection that spans five EP’s and 30 tracks. The full story comes together in November with the “30 Years of Freerange” box set, bringing the entire series together as one celebration of three decades of Freerange. A1. Jimpster - What U R A2. Last Nubian & Tommy Rawson ft. Redbird - Magic A3. Crackazat - Groove Again B1. Reagan Grey - Sidewalks B2. Simbad ft. Andrés - This Joint B3. Toronto Hustle & Sean Roman - Unconscious Therapy (The Dancer)