Review: VA - Thirty Years Of Freerange Vol.4 (Freerange Records)

30 years is a long-time and in Freerange Records timezone they're celebrating with 30 tracks from 30 artists on 5 EPs - and VOLUME FOUR is now here!

Quatro already and this is one for the drive home as we head to the conclusion of thirty years of Freerange and their celebration with the artists and musical values that have defined the label's journey. 

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. 3 HERE, Vol. 2 HERE and Vol. 1 HERE. 

Volume 4 balances established label favourites with fresh collaborations and future classics, once again exploring the rich spectrum of house music that has become synonymous with the Freerange sound: timeless grooves, musical depth and soul in abundance.

Longtime friends of the label Dam Swindle (last seen on their 'House Of House' compilation, see review HERE) open the collection with ‘I Met Her Last Summer’, a beautifully understated slice of sun-drenched house that radiates warmth and effortless musicality. Euphoric chords, classic disco groove and tension-building arrangement combine to create one of those deceptively simple records that feels instantly familiar whilst revealing new details with every listen. 

Next up French house stalwart Rocco Rodamaal who teams up with the unmistakable voice of Oliver Night (not to be confused with Oliver Knight) for ‘Body & Soul’. Rooted in deep and soulful house traditions, the track blends Rocco’s trademark musicality with an irresistible vocal performance that celebrates the healing power of dance music. Timeless, heartfelt and impossible not to move to. Andy Ash steps up next with ‘Bailey’ delivering a masterclass in rolling, deep house. Built around a looping filtered vocal hook, souring synths and crunchy drums, it's the kind of track that quietly works its magic on the dancefloor, balancing emotional depth with subtle groove.

Flipping over, Black Loops brings the raw, stripped-back funk he's become renowned for on ‘Body Frequencies’. Swinging drums, creative sampling and rolling low-end pressure make this an irresistible club workout, perfectly capturing his distinctive blend of classic house influences and modern production finesse. 

Next comes a meeting of minds as Italian producer L.D.F. joins forces with Ron Trent protege Trinidadian Deep for ‘African Dream’. Combining percussion-heavy rhythms, rich synth textures and deep spiritual energy, the pair craft a mesmerizing journey that draws equally from Afro-house traditions and classic deep house sensibilities, unfolding patiently with a sense of purpose and emotion.

Closing the EP is something special. Trumpeter, producer and Jimpster collaborator Greg Paulus teams up with Parisian DJ and producer Krol on ‘Waitin’.  Impossible to pigeonhole and all the better for it, ‘Waitin’ transcends genres by melding raw house beats, live trumpet, Greg’s own vocals and a hooky piano part to form something totally fresh and unique.  A freaky, late-night meditation where live instrumentation, subtle electronics and rolling groove exist in perfect harmony, bringing Vol. 4 to a suitably maverick and satisfying close.

This series has to be the best of the year and in 5 volumes, Freerange has captured not only what is great about Freerange Records but what's good about music!  One Vol. to go so stay tuned.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: Music | Freerange Records

Artist: Various Artists

Release: Thirty Years Of Freerange Vol.4
Release Date: 25th September, 2026
Label: Freerange Records
Catalog Number: FR319
Format:   Vinyl / Digital / BANDCAMP