LISTEN: Gema x F ∆ U X E’s Split EP S E X T A P E

source: Gema x F A U X E

Gema teased listeners with a preview of ‘Naked’ off his surprise split EP with F ∆ U X E, S E X T A P E, more than two weeks ago – with no mention of its release date. True to form, just a day after Laneway Festival Singapore ’16, Gema stealthily uploaded the EP onto SoundCloud with nary a prior announcement. The four-tracker sees the two of them dividing production and vocal duties – with the masked producer singing on three and producing two, and Batam’s best export providing the vocals on one and producing two – while still maintaining its musical genome in sultry, slowed down r’n’b born of post-dubstep. The oft-cited James Blake comparison is rendered moot here; F ∆ U X E’s vocal styling has less processing and even closing track ‘End’ features a rare instance of Gema singing without much embellishment. ‘Ashley (feat. ERI)’ — TLC’s ‘No Scrubs’ cleverly repurposed for a male point of view — is a highlight; an apt emotional catharsis that comes after a regret-filled sexual encounter.

Stream S E X T A P E below:

More from Gema here, and F ∆ U X E here.