Download from Bandcamp

We’re delighted t announce the debut Freerange release from French multi-instrumentalist, DJ and producer Laroye. Even though he has releases dating back to 2002 (for the excellent Faces label run by Pablo Valentino)it is fair to say Laroye has really hit his stride in the last couple of years, gracing the likes of Visions Inc, Tiff’s Joints and Magic Black with percussion-heavy house jams with warmth and soul.

Lead cut Be The Change is an exceptional track featuring the vocals of Carlos Mena aka Casamena of Ocha Records fame. With a doff of the cap to the grandmasters Ron Trent, Joe Clausell and Louie Vega, Be The Change takes a soulful approach with Laroye getting deep on his analogue synths and heavy on the live percussion. The end result is a sublime slice of uplifting house which comes loaded with a positive message and stays true to the roots of the music that we love so much.

In addition to the amazing full length original mix, Laroye has treated us to both an instrumental mix as well as a brilliant percapella version which strips things back to the bare bones for a tribal workout that can’t fail to get your body spinnin’ like a whirling dervish.

Closing out the EP we have another original track entitled Twisted. A no holds barred shuffling groove keeps things bumping along while Laroye gets to work on his modular machines, sculpting and shaping the tones whilst the neck snapping bounce keeps the energy bubbling perfectly. Rocking on an old school tip but with a contemporary twist, this reminds us a little of the Detroit Swindle tracks from a few years ago which is no bad thing!

Respected French DJ and producer, Thomas Arroyo aka Laroye moved to the UK in 2015, drawn by the boundary pushing dance and electronic music scenes here. Laroye has released music exploring a variety of different genres from broken beat on the early days of Faces Records and MCDE, through funk and boogie on Midnight Riot, Glitterbox and beyond.

1. Facebook
2. SoundCloud