JÉROBOAM — Freakshow

Jéroboam – Freakshow Parisian funk collective Jéroboam arrives on Space Grapes with the 12-inch vinyl SGP005, a debut that slots neatly into the label’s analog-centric catalogue. The record blends disco’s shimmering pulse with the swagger of funky house, offering a groove-rich statement that feels both retro and freshly kinetic. Recorded in the “usual Space Grapes style” – fully analog, rough and ready – the release captures the live energy the band has honed backing artists such as Howard Johnson, Junior Giscombe and Kyoto Jazz Massive. Within Space Grapes’ roster, Freakshow follows the label’s recent output that includes Mad Honey’s “UPWARD BOUND / TREASURE EVERY SUNSET” (SGP001) and the two Another Taste LPs (SGP008 from 2024 and SGP016 from 2026). While the exact chronology is unclear, the presence of these releases highlights Space Grapes’ commitment to a diverse, dance-floor-oriented spectrum that moves from deep house to experimental funk. Freakshow adds a fresh, band-driven perspective to that line-up, reinforcing the label’s reputation for analog authenticity. Side A opens with “Freakshow”, a track that immediately stakes a claim with a driving disco rhythm and a bassline that propels the groove forward. The arrangement leans on live instrumentation, giving the record a tactile feel that translates well to club settings where momentum is key. Its structure invites DJs to layer it with percussive accents or to use it as a bridge between more melodic sets, thanks to its steady pulse and subtle dynamic shifts. Flipping to side B, “Mystic Beauty (part 1 & 2)” extends the mood into a two-part suite. The first part introduces a hypnotic loop that deepens the funk foundation, while the second part gradually introduces a smoother, more atmospheric texture. The pairing creates a natural ebb and flow, allowing a DJ to either spin the whole suite for a longer, evolving segment or to cue just one part for a tighter transition. The track’s length and internal variation make it suitable for late-night sets where a gradual build is desired. For Jéroboam, Freakshow marks a significant entry into recorded output, translating the group’s extensive live experience into a compact vinyl format. The release sits alongside the band’s reputation as a versatile backing unit, now presented as a standalone statement that showcases their own compositional voice. Within Space Grapes’ catalogue, the record contributes a live-band sensibility that contrasts with the label’s more electronically focused releases, enriching the overall sonic palette. From a DJ’s perspective, the record offers two distinct tools. “Freakshow” works as a high-energy opener or a peak-time driver, its disco-house hybrid rhythm cutting through a mix with clarity. “Mystic Beauty” provides a more nuanced, longer-form option for set builders who need a track that can sustain a groove while allowing for subtle layering. Collectors will appreciate the analog production values that give the vinyl a warm, tactile character, as well as the band’s connection to notable live acts. The release is pressed as a 12-inch vinyl, reflecting Space Grapes’ dedication to analog fidelity. The format supports the record’s dynamic range and encourages a hands-on listening experience that aligns with the label’s rough-and-ready aesthetic. Jéroboam – Freakshow, Space Grapes, catalogue SGP005, 12-inch vinyl, 2 tracks. Tracklist: A1. Jéroboam – Freakshow B1. Jéroboam – Mystic Beauty (part 1 & 2)