James Curd is back on his freshly minted PRONTO label with more cultured musical manoeuvres, serving an enthralling original track alongside a quartet of inspired remixes on the ‘Psychedelic Freak EP’.

The multi-talented musician and producer began his career in his Chicago hometown at the tender age of 15, his vast range and musical scope leading to a stream of releases on some of the electronic underground’s most recognised imprints. Exploited, Dirtybird, Tsuba, Trax Records, Classic Records and Ministry Of Sound are just some of those to have championed his sound, helping to solidify his position as a beloved mainstay in and beyond the polychromatic dance spectrum. ‘Psychedelic Freak’ is the third release to arrive on his new PRONTO imprint, brilliantly maintaining the supreme quality threshold set by the first two instalments while welcoming on board an intriguing cast of guest remixers.

The original version finds Adelaide-based Curd in typically sparkling form. Hypnotic vocal chops rise over throbbing drums and weighted bass, with intricate synth textures carefully intertwined as evocative pads and bubbling arpeggios combine to set the heads-down mood. Next, man of the moment Tour Maubourg re-imagines the track as a sumptuous deep house groover. Here, the prolific Parisian pitches the distinctive vocal licks against a solid four/four rhythm, with luscious chords, staccato stabs and swung snares combining for an irresistibly authentic backroom meditation.

Adding a healthy dose of disco charge to the sonics, Swedish duo Drop Out Orchestra work their familiar magic into the music. Full-bodied slap bass, funk-flecked guitar and stirring horns are elegantly blended, the dynamic arrangement evolving as soaring strings and cerebral chord progressions enliven the groove. Not to be outdone, James Curd steps in with his explosive ‘Mushroom Mix’, upping the tempo and adding impossibly propulsive live bass as acid lines undulate and effervescent fills drive the rhythm.

Up next, Rex Club regular and renowned digger Ten Fingerz joins the fray with his ‘Freaky French Mix’, reframing the cut with the help of deviant overdubs, emotive chords and thick synth bass over robust dancefloor drums. Finally, completing an unmissable package with a contagious vocal flourish is the ‘MTS HER Boot’ version. Here, the acid-soaked ‘Mushroom’ mix is reprised with the addition of ???’s slick vocal flow — embalming an already driving composition with a vivacious lyrical thrust.

Hyper-compelling material across the board, this is yet more magnificent production and curatorial work from James Curd, with the PRONTO brand quickly becoming seared into the hearts and minds of the dance community's most informed selectors and collectors.