Transparent Sound Reissues The Freak Frequency EP In A New And Improved Version

Listen to the bouncy remix of the title track by Ectomorph

‘Freaks Frequency’ Cover

In the UK underground electro scene, Transparent Sound are one of the longest-running, most prolific acts: they’ve been producing and performing for nearly three decades, releasing a pretty consistent string of records. With such a long and fruitful career, it’s no surprise that their next release will be a reissue of one of their 90s classic EPs in a newly revised version.

The Freaks Frequency EP was originally released on Abstrakt Dance, a label owned by techno legend Colin Dale, in 1998. Its groovy minimalism was striking back then, but it’s perhaps even more relevant in today’s underground dance scene: the combination of electro breaks with an acid feel and a smart approach to the creation of tension makes for an exciting and energetic experience. The biggest surprise for me was discovering that the tracks were recorded live, with sequencers and synths and drum machines but no computer. 

The new and improved 12” includes the title track and the B1 “What Goes On” from the original record; the floating “Mistakes Happen”, released here for the first time, closes the EP and replaces the original B2 “Punk Motherfucker”. But the highlight of the reissue is the A2, Ectomorph’s remix of “Freaks Frequencies”, which we are proud to premiere here.

The Detroit duo delivers a radically revised version of the track, one that relies strongly on the superheavy bassline and on the interplay between different sound textures. The similar approach to production shared by Ectomorph and Transparent Sound allows the former to be extra playful with the latter’s material; and this playfulness is transmitted to your feet, hips and shoulders, thanks to bouncy drumbeat.

Freaks Frequency EP is distributed by Subwax and you can find it here

Words by Alessandro Cebrian Cobos