London-based duo Subverse, consisting of Alex Pascal (co-founder/producer-songwriter of The Layabouts) and vocalist Maddy Collins, return to One51 Recordings with their latest single, Set Free, set for release on 28th February 2025. This marks their second outing on Richard Earnshaw and Daniel Jones’s imprint, showcasing their ability to craft both emotive and dance-driven productions.
With Set Free, Subverse further defines their eclectic sound, blending raw lyricism with rich, melodic instrumentation. The single arrives in two distinct forms:
- The ‘Artworx Edit’, featuring additional arrangement and engineering by Richard Earnshaw, presents a lush downtempo rework that highlights the duo’s intricate songwriting.
- The ‘Free Flow Vibe Mix’ shifts towards the dancefloor, infusing warm, groove-infused energy perfect for deeper house sets.
At the core of Set Free is Maddy Collins’s evocative vocal performance, carrying an air of catharsis and celebration. The lyrics embrace themes of emancipation and personal liberation, resonating with anyone seeking freedom from past burdens.
Subverse: A Journey of Authentic Expression
Subverse is more than just a studio project—it’s a deeply personal musical venture that reflects real-life experiences and emotions. Having recently released their second house single, Figure It Out (Inner Spirit Remix), the duo continues to evolve, incorporating both electronic and acoustic elements into their artistry.
Maddy’s soulful vocal delivery, paired with Al Pascal’s intricate guitar work, forms the foundation of their sound. Beyond their electronic releases, Subverse also crafts stripped-down, acoustic renditions of their tracks, reinforcing their ability to connect with audiences on multiple levels.
The duo’s roots trace back to Al’s music school, where they first met and developed a creative synergy. Since then, they’ve been dedicated to songwriting and production, developing a catalogue that speaks to personal growth, recovery, and positivity. Their music offers an open and honest reflection of life’s highs and lows—an ethos that defines Subverse as a project with heart and depth.
Looking ahead, Subverse is gearing up for live performances, with plans to gig their acoustic set across the UK and bring their full band experience to audiences. As they continue to craft their unique blend of house, downtempo, and live instrumentation, Set Free stands as a powerful statement of artistic and personal liberation.
For those who appreciate soulful house, introspective songwriting, and genre-blending creativity, Subverse is a name to watch. Keep an eye out for Set Free on 28th February 2025, as the duo once again delivers music straight from the heart.
