The Retreat

East London based producer Ross Wakefield, brings you his new project, Frankson. Writing under the new alias and releasing for first time since his last outing as one half of Part-Time Heroes and PTH Projects, on Wah Wah 45s. Having spent recent years focusing on composing for TV, documentary and film work, the new project is a welcome return to his musical roots.

Releasing on is own, recently launched 'LxL, DxD' label, the first EP is entitled, 'The Retreat'. The idea behind the new label stems from Ross' incredibly lucky escape from serious head injuries after being run over in 2017. Each label release will aim to raise funds for a chosen charity, with the first EP donating to the superb Headway, an organisation supporting victims of brain trauma.

'The Retreat' consists of five tracks, two vocals and three instrumentals. The opening track sees the return of long-term collaborator, Sarah Scott (Flevans/Part-Time Heroes) for the soul-searching Burning Embers. "This is a track I've lived with for a long time and has always struck an incredibly personal chord with me. It's real 'end credits' stuff and echoes all of the aspects of song writing that resonate closest to my heart", says Ross.

The second vocal appearance is with Kathrin deBoer (Belleruche/Max Cooper). The track also features some additional production touches from the multi-talented, Fybe:one (Shades/Tru Thoughts/Ninja Tune). "The idea for the structure of the track has always been a crescendo into a 'gentle cacophony'. The beautiful closeness of Kathrin's vocal slowly joins with the instrumentation, to end up somewhere really ethereal." (RW)

The instrumental tracks opt to explore the more expansive side of the project. Some even containing sounds or textures sampled during his recovery in hospital. Ross draws on his love of minimal film/drama scores and contemporary electronica to create some truly immersive, sonic journeys.

Here's to finding feet and taking steps…