EP Review | TRF008 | Traffic MCR

Techno label Traffic MCR, Co-run by EP producer Ayrtan, YMNLT founder Biz and Fueiho, released their first collection of tracks in 2016. As a label they’ve always pushed sonic boundaries, relying on atmosphere and bass over melodies and rhythm. Their tracks are created for Berlin basement raves not upmarket house dancefloors. 

Their back catalog of industrial, cerebral and sometimes melancholy sounds is a testament to this and TRF008 isn’t a departure from this MO but an embrace of it.  

TRF008 is Freddie’s first solo outing for the label after appearing on its 5th and 7th release. He handles his EP with the skill and composure of a seasoned producer. This could easily be his 100th solo EP not his first. 

TRF008 is a tightly constructed quartet of tracks with no one song stealing presidence from the others. Admittedly, not for the faint hearted but for those who want to command a dance floor with rhythmic, hypnotic drum loops and punchy dark synths there’s no better toolbox than this EP.  

Opening the EP is Hyprin. Discordant vocals and a building soundscape lead up to a rolling drum loop and an aggressive arpeggiated synths.

Noi-Veil-Tan turns the intensity up a notch after the opening track with a chugging thump and restless ambience. Distorted almost demonic voices punctuate the arrangement keeping dancers on their toes and traveling further down this techno rabbit hole.    

Next is Flang Lau a booming behemoth built for big room sets. Its tireless drum shakes and permeates the entire track. Accompanied and complemented by some scattered scratchy hi-hats and robotic vocal stabs. As near as this EP will get to a peak time tune.   

Closing the EP is Frajak, the most introverted and melancholy offering from TRF008. It replaces big kicks with a rolling LFO and distorted saw waves. Overlaid by almost tribal percussion. The most sonically rich of the four tracks it prompts mild reflection after the previous three track onslaught.    

A recommended addition to any techno lovers collection. You can buy the whole release now on Bandcamp.