Overview
Flow Zone is a triple-split release from three innovative electronic producers—CRC, 2-X, and VC-118A—released on the Dutch imprint Frustrated Funk. Rooted in analog textures and minimalism, the album showcases deep electro, abstract rhythms, and mood-forward sound design. This is late-night headphone music, crafted for immersive listening or deep sets.
Critical Reception
While under the radar for mainstream audiences, Flow Zone has been praised in electronic music circles for its fidelity to analog electro aesthetics. Fans of labels like Delsin, Clone, and Central Processing Unit will find this release slots seamlessly into the canon of cerebral, groove-oriented machine music.
Standout Tracks
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CRC – “Montage” – Dense atmospheres and modular squelch with cinematic scale.
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2-X – “Modul” – Sparse and pulsing, fusing low-end minimalism with spatial design.
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VC-118A – “Time” – A signature deep electro cut, full of tension and submerged textures.
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CRC – “Velcro” – Crackling percussion and noir-ish ambiance.
Overall Impact
This split release underscores Frustrated Funk’s continued commitment to timeless electro rooted in raw hardware production. It’s a DJ-friendly collection that also holds up to close, solitary listening. For crate diggers and collectors of deep electro, this is a gem.
About the Artists
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CRC is the alias of Finnish producer Samuli Kemppi, known for shadowy techno and abstract electronics.
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2-X is an alias used by artists within the extended Frustrated Funk and Bunker Records ecosystem, often shrouded in mystery.
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VC-118A is the moniker of Dutch producer Samuel van Dijk, whose work blends aquatic electro with immersive textures (also records as Mohlao and Multicast Dynamics).
Similar Albums
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Versalife – Encrypted Mind
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Plant43 – Storm Control
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DJ Stingray – F.T.N.W.O.
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Arpanet – Quantum Transposition
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The Exaltics – Das Heise Experiment
Artist: CRC / 2-X / VC-118A
Album: Flow Zone
Label: Frustrated Funk – FR049
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Transparent Vinyl
Released: May 2024
Country: Netherlands
Genre: Electronic
Style: Electro, Abstract, Techno
Tracklist:
Side A
A1. CRC – Montage
A2. CRC – Velcro
Side B
B1. 2-X – Modul
B2. VC-118A – Time
Credits:
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Written & Produced by: Samuli Kemppi (CRC), Samuel van Dijk (VC-118A), Unknown (2-X)
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Mastered by: Rude 66
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Artwork by: 030303.nl
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Distributed by: Clone Distribution
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Label Design: Frustrated Funk collective
Fun Facts:
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CRC is a project originally part of the Kemppi+Nikander experimental duo.
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2-X is an intentionally anonymous alias, often associated with artists working out of The Hague.
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VC-118A takes his name from a cold war-era aircraft—a nod to his music’s air of surveillance and submerged tension.
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Frustrated Funk has been active since the early 2000s and remains a staple for purist electro.
Final Thoughts:
Flow Zone is a tight, cerebral four-tracker that hits a rare sweet spot—forward-thinking and timeless. From modular murk to perfectly engineered electro pulses, it’s a deep digger’s delight and a perfect addition to any after-hours set or listening session in the analog shadows.