TRANSPARENT SOUND — The Lost Tapes EP

Transparent Sound – The Lost Tapes EP arrives on No Static / Automatic as NSA015, a 12-inch vinyl that reaches back to the early-2000s London underground. The EP gathers three unreleased tracks and a remix, all sourced from DAT tapes and CDRs recorded in Orson Bramley’s home studio with an assortment of borrowed gear and car-boot-sale finds. It offers a raw snapshot of the era when UK electro was still negotiating its relationship with Detroit techno, acid, and rave futurism. Within the No Static / Automatic catalogue, The Lost Tapes EP follows a line of forward-thinking releases. Earlier this year the label issued Mental Note’s “Batteries Not included (Brain sold separately) EP” (NSA014) and, in 2025, Luke’s Anger’s “Cabin Pressure EP” (NSA013) and Ara-u & Ben Pest’s “Kaos Sympatis EP” (NSA012). The progression from those synth-driven, kinetic outings to Transparent Sound’s archival material underscores the label’s commitment to both new creations and the preservation of electro’s formative moments. Side A opens with “Pissing in the wind”, a track that channels the gritty optimism of early-2000s London clubs. Its structure leans on a steady, propulsive rhythm that invites a DJ to layer it over a late-night set, while the title hints at a rebellious, tongue-in-cheek attitude. The second cut on the side, “Pissing in the wind (Ara-u Rmx)”, reinterprets the original through Ara-u’s lens, adding a darker, more atmospheric edge that makes it suitable for a deeper, more introspective moment in a set. Side B begins with “Insert Coin”, a title that evokes arcade nostalgia and a call to action on the dancefloor. The track’s forward momentum and crisp electro pulse make it an effective opener for a peak-time segment, while its clean arrangement allows seamless mixing with both classic and contemporary electro cuts. The EP closes with “Loose Change”, a piece that feels like a loose-handed jam session captured on tape, its unpolished texture offering a humanizing contrast to the tighter productions that flank it. The track’s relaxed groove works well as a transition piece, easing the flow between high-energy moments. Transparent Sound’s recent output includes the “Manufactured Shit EP” on Orson Records (ORSON029, 2026) and the “No Call From New York” 12-inch on his own imprint (TRANS010, 2026). Earlier releases such as “Drive By EP” (Pressure Traxx, PTX032, 2025) and the expansive “Accidents 1994-2023” triple-LP on Tresor (TRESOR361, 2023) demonstrate a career that balances archival projects with fresh material. The Lost Tapes EP therefore fits naturally into a discography that values both historical depth and forward motion. For DJs, the record offers a versatile toolkit. “Pissing in the wind” and its Ara-u remix provide two complementary moods – the former for driving the dancefloor, the latter for a more shadowed, late-set vibe. “Insert Coin” delivers a clean, high-energy thrust ideal for peak moments, while “Loose Change” supplies a laid-back, textural bridge that can smooth transitions or close a set with a reflective tone. Collectors will appreciate the tangible link to a specific moment in UK electro history, the physicality of a DAT-sourced archive, and the continuity it offers within Transparent Sound’s prolific vinyl output. The record is pressed as a 12-inch vinyl, matching the format of the artist’s recent releases and the label’s recent output. Its analog nature complements the raw, unpolished aesthetic of the source material, delivering a listening experience that feels both immediate and archival. Transparent Sound – The Lost Tapes EP, No Static / Automatic, catalogue NSA015, 12-inch vinyl, four tracks. Tracklist: A1. Transparent Sound – Pissing in the wind A2. Transparent Sound – Pissing in the wind (Ara-u Rmx) B1. Transparent Sound – Insert Coin B2. Transparent Sound – Loose Change