30 Years of Freerange Records, Vol. 1 [12" Vinyl Box]

Various Artists - 30 Years of Freerange Records, Vol. 1 [12" LP Box]

Three decades in, Freerange doesn’t look back - it expands. “30 Years of Freerange” begins here: 30 tracks from 30 artists across 5 EP’s. A slow-burn rollout culminating in a beautiful boxset meticulously assembled to outlast trends, algorithms, and short attention spans. A handpicked cross-section of the Freerange continuum from artists who’ve shaped the sound alongside up and coming voices pushing it somewhere new. Different shades, different voices, same ethos: independence, longevity, and an unwavering commitment to the dancefloor and beyond. Kicking things off on Vol. 1 we have an incredible track from Ralph Session ft. Brandon Markell Holmes. “Everything” is aural proof that original new music can still hit hard when in the right hands. Inspired by the golden era of Philly Soul (but no throwback retro rehash!) Everything delivers emotion and energy in equal measures thanks to the incredible vocals of Brandon Markell Holmes, with a track that will stand the test of time and guaranteed to light up dance-floors for time to come. Next we have Berlin-based New Zealander Philippa, who continues to impress with her original sound and delivers a string-laden, subtle tension builder entitled “Mixed Emotions”. Vocodered vocals, rolling bassline, and simple analog synth hooks all go in the melting pot, making for a club track that sounds fresh and unique. Closing the A side, Palm Skin Productions brings his darker sonic explorations to the release in fine style. “Shark Drunk” goes heavy on the acid and sound design textures, all underpinned by a crunchy groove to get the dance floor locked in during the heavier, tripped out hours. Flipping over we have the Philadelphia legend Josh Wink and his contribution to the release cryptically entitled “NGF”. Here he delivers a masterclass in emotionally charged contemporary house with his signature depth and musicality. Spanish producer Nacho Marco makes a very long overdue return to Freerange with a sublime slice of classic, feel-good rolling deepness entitled “The Flying Fox”. His “Sweetest” EP dropped almost 20 years ago (and still gets played by Jane Fitz) and he’s recently released on Chiwax, Phonogramme, and his own imprint Loudeast. Fans of his sound will know what to expect - sun-streaked, hypnotic grooves with a melancholic undercurrent perfect for those heads down 4am moments. Ending on a blissed out, chilled vibe we have a very special track from Lovebirds entitled “Janet Nice”. The perfect closing track for this landmark release, Lovebirds goes heavy on the emotive pads and reverb-soaked stabs all underpinned with a slo-mo house groove making for a sultry, otherworldly track to lose yourself in. Volume 1 is slightly more expensive because it includes the box that all 5 EP’s from the set will be housed in.

A1. Ralph Session ft. Brandon Markell Holmes - Everything A2. Philippa - Mixed Emotions A3. Palm Skin Productions - Shark Drunk B1. Josh Wink - NGF B2. Nacho Marco - The Flying Fox B3. Lovebirds - Janet Nice