FOEHN, JEROME, SONYA ZLO — Macho Madness (2026 Re Release)

Foehn, Jerome & Sonya Zlo – Macho Madness (2026 Re Release) arrives on Perfumed Freedom as catalogue PFFD003, a 12-inch vinyl that stakes a bold claim in the tech-house arena. The record’s title and the label’s own statement frame it as a critique of overblown masculinity and staged dominance, positioning the music as a sonic counter-argument to those tropes. With its four tracks, the EP offers a compact yet potent exploration of tension and release, wrapped in the label’s characteristic blend of rhythmic precision and atmospheric depth. Perfumed Freedom’s 2026 output has been busy, with earlier releases such as “The Frisbee Of No Return” (PFFD001) and “Hermanngirl” (PFFD002) establishing the collaborative chemistry of Foehn and Jerome, while “Can You (For A Moment) EP” (PFFD004) continued that thread later in the same year. “Macho Madness” slots into this sequence as the third entry, maintaining the label’s focus on forward-thinking tech house while adding a conceptual edge that differentiates it from its immediate neighbours. Side A opens with “Whistle”, a track that immediately sets a tense mood. Its title suggests a piercing motif that cuts through the mix, creating a hook that can be used to punctuate a set or to build anticipation before a peak. The follow-up, “Bloody Friday”, shifts the energy toward a darker groove, its name evoking a gritty, after-hours vibe that complements the opening cut while adding a more driving pulse for DJs looking to transition into the deeper part of a night. On the flip side, “Tornado T1” introduces a swirling momentum, its title hinting at a spiralling rhythm that can serve as a bridge between the darker tones of “Bloody Friday” and the final statement of the record. The EP closes with “Samurai”, a track whose moniker conjures precision and discipline. Its placement as the final cut gives it the role of a decisive, clean-cut finish, offering a crisp resolution that works well for ending a set or for looping back into earlier material. For Foehn, “Macho Madness” follows a series of releases on Perfumed Freedom, most notably “The Frisbee Of No Return”, “Hermanngirl” and “Can You (For A Moment) EP”, all issued earlier in 2026. Those records explored varied textures within tech house, and this EP continues that trajectory while injecting a more overt conceptual narrative. Jerome’s earlier outing “The Night We Had” on Gabu (GABUWAX01) also demonstrated an affinity for deep, groove-centric compositions, a sensibility that resurfaces here in the tight rhythmic structures. The collaboration with Sonya Zlo adds an extra layer of perspective, reinforcing the record’s thematic ambition without needing to reference an external discography. Within the current underground landscape, “Macho Madness” stands out for its willingness to embed a social commentary within the framework of club music. The label’s catalog this year has been defined by a balance of dancefloor functionality and artistic statement; this release leans further into the latter, inviting listeners and DJs alike to consider the narrative behind the beats. Its concise four-track format makes it a focused statement rather than a sprawling collection, which aligns well with contemporary preferences for tight, impactful EPs. From a DJ’s viewpoint, the record offers several practical tools. “Whistle” can act as an intro or a tension-building element, while “Bloody Friday” supplies a darker, more relentless groove suitable for peak-time moments. “Tornado T1” works as a transitional piece, its momentum ideal for weaving between peaks, and “Samurai” provides a clean, decisive ending or a reset point for a new section of a set. The sequencing respects the flow of a night, allowing each side to be mixed independently or together for a cohesive arc. The physical package is a 12-inch vinyl, matching the format of the label’s recent releases. Its straightforward presentation aligns with Perfumed Freedom’s aesthetic, focusing attention on the music rather than on ancillary embellishments. Foehn, Jerome & Sonya Zlo – Macho Madness (2026 Re Release), Perfumed Freedom, catalogue PFFD003, 12-inch vinyl, four tracks. Tracklist: A1. Foehn & Jerome & Sonya Zlo – Whistle A2. Foehn & Jerome & Sonya Zlo – Bloody Friday B1. Foehn & Jerome & Sonya Zlo – Tornado T1 B2. Foehn & Jerome & Sonya Zlo – Samurai