Live Review: Jayda G's joyful return on her 'Both Of Us/Are U Down' EP

If there’s one artist we can count on to bring infectious, uplifting energy to any situation, it’s Jayda G. The Canadian-born, London-based producer and DJ’s latest release 'Both Of Us/Are U Down', out last week via Ninja Tune, is full of heart and warmth in a time where it has been needed the most.

“I really wondered if releasing the record right now was the right thing to do,” Jayda said in a press release. “Things can feel really fucking depressing at the moment, but the amount of messages I’ve been getting about the track, even during lockdown when people are unable to even be in clubs or at festivals, that really convinced me that now was the right time.”

The EP comes loaded with the titular tracks, and a remix for each, providing two sides to the coin of emotion found in classic house music. ‘Both of Us’ oozes serotonin through a catchy piano line and warm vocal sampling, with the ‘Sunset Bliss’ mix packing a heavier, dance floor ready punch perfectly fine tuned for the upcoming (yet sadly cancelled) European festival season. In accompaniment comes a DIY video, converging footage of natural landscapes, hazy images of Jayda G’s day to day life, and performances both at home and in nightclub settings. ‘Are U Down’ takes a more ruminative route, with moody vocals looping over a soulful percussive beat; an appropriately contrasting counterpart made all the more brilliant by the choppy, jazzy remix.

'Both Of Us/Are U Down' is Jayda G’s most intimate and emotive EP to date, being both nostalgic for the communal experiences and special moments once cherished on the dance floor, and hopeful for those to return.

'Both Of Us/Are U Down' is available for purchase on Bandcamp here.

Words by JESSICA NEGUS

Image via Bandcamp

LISTEN TO NEW MUSIC HERE

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