Shoppers divided over Co-op freezers' 'soothing sound bath'

Sheffield is a city with a rich musical heritage, having produced celebrated artists such as The Human League, Pulp and Arctic Monkeys.

Yet the latest sounds to emerge from the city are those generated by the freezers at a Co-op supermarket.

The electrical hum of the frozen food aisle at the store on Ecclesall Road has been described by fans on social media as "the calmest droning chord ever", a "gong bath" and like the "string section of an orchestra".

Local music technologist Alex McLean was one of the first to notice the unexpected soundtrack and shared his discovery on Reddit.

He said: "I was just doing my shopping and walked into the corner where you're surrounded on three sides by these quite big freezers.

"I just felt this sense of calm, surrounded by these really rich tones, it's like a long continuous chord that never ends."

The musical freezer has also intrigued regular Co-op shoppers.

"I heard about it on social media, it made me curious to go down and visit," said Matthew Brydson.

"It almost feels quite choral, like you feel like you're in a cathedral listening to a massive choir of voices almost. It's quite ambient."

Martin Simpson is a celebrated folk musician who lives near the supermarket but isn't impressed.

"The man on the checkout said we're famous and I said why is that? And he said because of the therapeutic nature of the tone generated by the freezers.

"There's actually quite a few different tones going on. They all blend together quite nicely. But I mean, it's just the sound of electric motors."

Susan Ginniver, shopping for offers in the frozen section, was also nonplussed.

"It sounds like any other freezer to me. Perhaps a bit louder but it's not doing anything for me."

Dr Will Scrimshaw is a lecturer in popular music technology and composition at the University of Sheffield. He said the supermarket environment is perfect for creating such a distinctive sound.

"You've got a lot of freezers in that area and there's a lot of glass so it's quite reflective and that allows the frequencies to build up, which is why it's so prominent.

"You'll hear it quietly in lots of appliances. Normally if they get a little bit older and they start to develop a few quirks then that can become a bit more prominent.

"I think it's one of those things that once you've heard it you'll start to notice it in your everyday life a little bit more."

The Co-op has also embraced the unexpected attention.

A spokesperson for the supermarket said: "Whilst we're unable to confirm whether the freezers are rehearsing for their next orchestral recital, it's good to hear our shoppers are enjoying the freezer section at Ecclesall Road Co-op."

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North