Freak Disciple – Freedom Engine

Freak Disciple is the collaborative project of ManMadeMan and Tristan, two experienced Goa trance masters. This EP was released around the time of Slinky Wizard’s incredible Jammy Wizard EP and also features the silver metallic cover design. With this set of tracks Flying Rhino began to explore darker pathways in psychedelic trance music, with great success.

Freedom Engine—their masterwork—opens with a cavalcade of mechanical sound textures that set the tone for the song. Soon enough, the pulsating techno-tribal rhythm wiggles into audibility with a strong fluid bass line and a brilliant set of clanking industrial drums. Lush synthetic noises spiral in and out amidst a bubbling cocktail of snarky psychedelic filter sweeps. A distinctly mischievous lead develops in the last half of the song, fulfilling all expectations. The trick ending with 30 seconds to go makes it a tough mix, but it’s worth a shot.

Free Dimension is a more straight-forward permutation of the title track, sounding much more like ManMadeMan’s more conventional pieces of the time. The fat rumble of the flip-side is replaced by a plodding beat and steady hi-hats, driving forth with a steady rhythm accentuated by playful sound effects. It is intellectually stimulating as a companion piece to Freedom Engine but not nearly as great.

This is an excellent piece of vinyl that I remember getting a lot of use out of when it came out. The artists challenged perceptions of what trance could be and came up with an successful concoction. Luckily the title track made it to CD on Flying Rhino’s groundbreaking Turbulence compilation. Vinyl collectors should definitely consider adding this to their collection if they enjoy the mid-period Rhino sound or Matsuri Records. Recommended!