Review: VA - Thirty Years Of Freerange Vol.5 (Freerange Records)

What a series to celebrate 30 years of Freerange Records and here's the 5th EP to climax 30 tracks from 30 artists - Ladies and Gentlemen: VOLUME FIVE!

To recap, 30 Years Of Freerange brings together 30 exclusive tracks from 30 artists, released across five EPs before culminating in a beautifully curated box set; also check out Vol. 4 HERE Vol. 3 HERE, Vol. 2 HERE and Vol. 1 HERE. 

Volume 5 being the final chapter brings 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-focussed.

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 (he of 'Ship Of Fools - see review HERE) 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 flavour.

Crackazat's album 'SUN' fom earlier this year (see revieew HERE) adapts his jazz leanings and 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 (she of 'Kenetic' on Wolf Music - see review HERE) 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 one-time Gilles Peterson's best bud 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 - this would fit in any set perfectly.

And Canadian duo Toronto Hustle & Sean Roman (also of Wolf Music - see review HERE) are not that far from Detroit and you can hear the influences.   Having already delivered the excellent 'Detoronto' EP for Freerange, 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 EPs and 30 tracks. The full story comes together in November with the 30 Years Of Freerange Boxset, bringing the entire series together as one celebration of three decades of Freerange.

Here's to the next 30 years - hoping we're all here to enjoy!

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: Music | Freerange Records

Artist: Various Artists

Release: Thirty Years Of Freerange Vol.5
Release Date: 16th October, 2026
Label: Freerange Records
Catalog Number: FR320

Format:   Vinyl / Digital / BANDCAMP