HIGHSCORE — Breakin' Out / Girl So Fine

Highscore – Breakin' Out / Girl So Fine opens on The Outer Edge with catalogue number EDGE-044, a 12-inch vinyl that brings two long-shelved electro-funk demos from the mid-1980s to the dancefloor. Recorded in Germany by the trio that emerged from the jazz-rock outfit Nuages, the tracks capture a vibrant moment when synth-driven boogie met disco-inflected grooves, offering collectors a rare glimpse of a forgotten era. Within The Outer Edge’s 2026 output, EDGE-044 sits between the earlier releases “Tender Rain LP” by Ghia (EDGE-043) and “Herzschlag” by Bionda e Lupo & Collage (EDGE-042), while the label’s later offerings will include Hudson People’s “Hold On (feat. Rickey Owens)” (EDGE-045) and “Trip To Your Mind (Original Mixes)” (EDGE-046). This placement underscores the label’s commitment to unearthing hidden gems across funk, jazz-fusion and forward-looking electronic sounds. Side A opens with “Breakin' Out”, a track that the label describes as an “incredible electro-funk boogie gem”. Its arrangement feels fully formed, with crisp synth lines and a tight rhythm that propel the groove forward, making it instantly suitable for the peak of a set or a warm-up that builds anticipation. The B-side, “Girl So Fine”, matches the A-side’s energy, delivering an equally captivating vibe that reinforces the record’s cohesive aesthetic while offering a slightly more melodic contour, ideal for transitioning between deeper moments and brighter peaks. For Highscore, these two cuts represent the only material currently available from the project, which originated around 1985/86 when drummer Mike Bach, vocalist John Dillard and guitarist Hermann Behrens turned their attention to electro-funk and disco. Although the band’s broader catalogue remains locked in multi-track reels, the discovery of these cassette mixes—refined during mastering—provides a compelling snapshot of their sound and intent. In the context of contemporary underground funk, the release stands out as a bridge between vintage 80s electro-groove and today’s revivalist tendencies. The tracks’ polished yet raw feel offers DJs a fresh source of authentic period energy without the over-processing common in many modern reissues. Collectors will appreciate the narrative of a long-lost project finally surfacing, as well as the connection to the broader The Outer Edge family, which continues to champion rare and forward-thinking dance music. From a DJ’s perspective, “Breakin' Out” works as a high-energy opener or a late-night peak, its steady drive encouraging seamless mixing into other funk or house selections. “Girl So Fine” provides a smoother, melodic counterpoint that can be layered into more nuanced sections of a set, offering both rhythmic propulsion and a hook that can be looped or re-triggered for creative effect. The limited run of 400 copies adds a collectible allure for vinyl enthusiasts seeking unique, story-rich additions to their crates. The release is pressed as a 12-inch vinyl with a newly designed picture sleeve that features an original band photograph, including background singer Ruben Hopkins, who does not appear on the recordings themselves. The edition is limited to 400 copies, underscoring its status as a rare archival issue. Highscore – Breakin' Out / Girl So Fine, The Outer Edge, catalogue EDGE-044, 12-inch vinyl, two tracks. Tracklist: A1. Highscore – Breakin' Out B1. Highscore – Girl So Fine