VANITY PROJECT — File Management Blues (w/ Ruf Dug Remix)

Vanity Project – File Management Blues (w/ Ruf Dug Remix) arrives on Claptrap Records as catalogue CLPTRP008, a 12-inch vinyl that stakes a claim in the electro terrain with a blend of acid, proto-house and balearic moods. After a six-year silence on the label, the project turns a studio mishap into a thematic suite of four original cuts and a standout remix, all anchored by a melancholic digital string motif. Within Claptrap’s recent output, CLPTRP008 follows the earlier releases CLPTRP006 “Dolce” by Johannes Klingebiel and CLPTRP007 “Problemi Remixes” by Francisco D’Argento, both issued in 2026. This placement underscores the label’s current focus on forward-thinking electro that balances melodic depth with dancefloor propulsion. Side A opens with “File Management Blues”, a track that channels the frustration of lost archives into an uptempo club roller, its structure moving from swirling pads to a biting acid line while retaining the overarching string melody. The continuation, “File Management Blues pt.2”, extends the narrative, preserving the energetic pulse yet introducing subtle shifts that keep the momentum fresh. On the flip, “File Management Blues (Ruf Dug Remix)” receives a reinterpretation by Manchester’s Ruf Dug, whose reputation for reworking electro cuts is evident in his earlier 12-inch outings “DB12 019” (Duca Bianco, 2026), “Casita Más Alta” (International Feel, 2023) and “Thru The Night / I Love You” (Pinchy & Friends, 2023). Dug’s version re-imagines the A1 material with a darker, more groove-oriented approach, making it a compelling entry point for late-night sets. The B-side proceeds with “Everybody Talkin’ ‘Bout (File Management)”, a downtempo dub chugger that leans into the record’s more introspective side, allowing the lingering string theme to breathe over a spacious rhythm. Closing the journey, “File Management Dub” strips back the arrangement further, delivering a dub-infused conclusion that emphasizes texture and space, perfect for transitioning into deeper set moments. In the context of Vanity Project’s output, this EP marks a return to Claptrap after a significant hiatus, translating a technical setback into a cohesive musical statement. The record’s duality—high-energy club tracks alongside more reflective dub pieces—mirrors contemporary underground trends where producers fuse rave intensity with emotive, melodic undercurrents. For DJs, the record offers versatile tools: the A-side tracks provide immediate energy for peak-time moments, while the Ruf Dug remix supplies a darker, groove-centric alternative suitable for back-to-back mixing. The B-side dub selections afford texture for warm-up or wind-down phases, with the string motif serving as a unifying hook that can be sampled or looped. Collectors will appreciate the thematic continuity across all five cuts and the inclusion of a remix by a respected figure in the electro scene. The release is pressed as a 12-inch vinyl, presenting the full suite of tracks in a format that respects the analog tradition while delivering the nuanced sound design described by the label. Vanity Project – File Management Blues (w/ Ruf Dug Remix), Claptrap Records, catalogue CLPTRP008, 12-inch vinyl, five tracks. Tracklist: A1. Vanity Project – File Management Blues A2. Vanity Project – File Management Blues pt.2 B1. Vanity Project – File Management Blues (Ruf Dug Remix) B2. Vanity Project – Everybody Talkin’ ‘Bout (File Management) B3. Vanity Project – File Management Dub