TERRY FRANCIS — Free

Terry Francis – Free SUSH88C is the latest 12-inch offering from Sushitech, arriving on turquoise vinyl and revisiting a cornerstone of the UK acid-tech house lineage. The reissue brings the 2003 classic back into the physical realm, pairing the title track with two previously unreleased collaborations with Ricardo Afonso, and positions itself squarely within the label’s ongoing dialogue with the genre’s deep-rooted groove. Within Sushitech’s recent output, Free follows a series of releases that have kept the label’s catalogue vibrant in 2026, including Housey Doingz’s “A Sillybration I” (SUSH69) and “A Sillybration II” (SUSH70), as well as Terry Francis’s own “Digitec: Addendum” (SUSH80C / SUSH80) and the three-disc “Digitec” set (SUSH78 / SUSH78C). These records collectively map a terrain where classic UK acid tech meets contemporary clubcraft, and Free adds another essential waypoint to that map. Side A opens with “Free”, the track that originally defined a moment in early-2000s Fabric nights. Its relentless rhythm and unmistakable bassline drive a deep, soulful groove that feels built for the long-hour set, while the vocal phrasing—evocative of Massive Attack’s moody delivery—adds a melodic hook that can anchor a peak or provide a smooth transition from more percussive moments. The track’s structure lends itself to looping the main section for extended mixes, making it a reliable tool for DJs seeking a hypnotic yet emotive centerpiece. Side B delivers two rare cuts featuring Ricardo Afonso’s distinct vocal presence. “Together” continues the soulful thread, its melodic contour weaving through a steady tech house pulse, offering a slightly more uplifting tone that works well as a bridge between darker and brighter moments in a set. “Through My Veins” deepens the mood, presenting a tighter, more introspective atmosphere that can serve as a late-night wind-down or a moment of focused intensity on the dancefloor. Both tracks benefit from the same rhythmic foundation as “Free”, yet each introduces subtle shifts that keep the listening experience fresh across the three sides. In the context of Terry Francis’s discography, Free sits alongside his recent “Digitec” releases on Sushitech and earlier work such as the “Juice EP” (Rhythm By Nature) and the “El Tel Collection” series (Pariter). While those records explored varied textures within tech house, Free revisits the classic acid-tech sound that originally cemented Francis’s reputation, reaffirming his command of the genre’s timeless groove. For DJs, the record offers a versatile trio of tracks that can be deployed at multiple points in a set. “Free” provides a strong, floor-filling anchor; “Together” supplies a melodic lift suitable for building energy; and “Through My Veins” offers a darker, more contemplative vibe for winding down or creating contrast. The sequencing across the two sides encourages a narrative flow, allowing a selector to move from the driving force of the A-side to the nuanced vocal collaborations on the B-side without losing momentum. The release is pressed on 12-inch turquoise vinyl, matching the label’s aesthetic focus on tactile presentation. The format supports the deep, resonant low end that the tracks demand, ensuring the bass-heavy grooves translate effectively to club sound systems. Terry Francis – Free, Sushitech, catalogue SUSH88C, 12-inch vinyl, three tracks. Tracklist: A1. Terry Francis – Free B1. Terry Francis – Together feat. Ricardo Afonso B2. Terry Francis – Through My Veins feat. Ricardo Afonso