Pepe Deluxé, the Finnish-Swedish duo composed of James Spectrum and Paul Malmström, has released a new AA-single from their upcoming album, Comix Sonix, which is set to launch on June 21 under Catskills Records.
The A-side track, “Freedom Flag,” features the duo boldly declaring, “They try to put us in a box. And then they try to put that box away. No Way!” This song underscores the group’s commitment to creative freedom, which they regard as a core value alongside their love for eclecticism, coffee, and sausages. Interestingly, flying sausages make an appearance in the music video directed by Pepe Deluxé’s own Paul Malmström. The track offers a lighthearted yet sharp critique of simplification and stereotyping. Adding a quirky twist, another new track from Pepe, “Earth Boys are Easy,” features in IKEA’s global campaign titled “Box it!”
“Freedom Flag” is notable for including a sample of a Pepe song that was also sampled by the Prodigy in “Salami Fever.” It also features scratches by guest DJ Slow, a former founding member of the group, and a powerful double bass break by metal legend Kai Hahto, enriched with a banjo and musical spoons for an eclectic mix.
The AA-side, “From the Mouth of Elmer McCurdy,” showcases Pepe Deluxé’s innovative spirit in the music industry. For this track, they collaborate with the unique Bart Hopkin, who owns a collection of over 100 experimental instruments, many of which are featured on Comix Sonix.