The Outbreak EP by Soundsquirt: A Hidden Gem in Electronic Music
Released back in 2010, The Outbreak EP by Soundsquirt is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. It’s not flashy or overly hyped, but it’s got this understated charm that fans of progressive trance and house will appreciate. Hailing from Japan and released under Fountain Music, this EP feels like a time capsule of early 2010s electronic vibes—clean, layered, and just groovy enough to keep your head nodding.
Let’s talk tracks. First up, “Fatwalk.” Honestly, the name threw me off at first—I was expecting something comical or gimmicky. But nope, it’s straight fire. The bassline is thick and bouncy, giving it this infectious energy that makes you wanna move (hence the title, I guess?). What sticks with me most is how smooth the transitions are—you barely notice when one section flows into another, but somehow it keeps building tension. By the time the breakdown hits, you’re fully locked in. It’s the kind of track that could work just as well in a club as it would during a late-night drive.
Then there’s “Movin’..” Man, this one has some serious swagger. The rhythm is crisp, almost mechanical, but in a way that feels intentional rather than cold. There’s this repeating synth line that worms its way into your brain after just a couple listens. It’s simple yet effective, kinda like those songs you can’t stop humming even though you’re not sure why. Around the midway point, things open up into this lush soundscape that feels cinematic without being overblown. If “Fatwalk” is all about momentum, then “Movin’..” is more about atmosphere. Both approaches totally slay.
What strikes me about The Outbreak EP is how cohesive it feels despite only having two standout tracks. Soundsquirt clearly knew what they were doing—they didn’t overload the project with filler tunes or unnecessary complexity. Instead, they let each element breathe and shine. And while Japan might not be the first place you think of for progressive trance and house, this EP proves that great music transcends borders.
Looking back now, it’s wild to think this came out over a decade ago. Listening to it today feels like catching up with an old friend who hasn’t aged a day. Maybe that’s the magic of good electronic music—it doesn’t try too hard to be timeless; it just is.
Oh, and here’s a random thought: if aliens ever visit Earth and ask us to explain human creativity through sound, I’d hand them The Outbreak EP. Not sure if they’d vibe with it, but hey, worth a shot, right?
