GEX ARMOUR X .KLYNE X NMTMO - AMOR FATI

Man this one’s a breath of fresh air. The great Gex Armour has paired up with both NMTMO and .KLYNE separately, with this being a link up I should’ve expected but was so happy when the tape dropped. All immensely prolific, the three take turns to present their own chops and drum loops, with each track of the dozens here fading in and out between vocal snippets on growth and twists of fate. The whole thing feels so raw but made with love, like the three are taking turns passing around the SP, moving swiftly from one vignette to the next. This impression presents itself through the actual drums too, with almost every kick, snare or piece of percussion placed in a way like you can see them chopping it right there on the drum machine, especially with GEX’s beats that always come so live and direct. NMTMO and .KLYNE always keep the sample front and centre, weaving beautiful bits of soulful vocals or gorgeous sunset-tinged synths and pianos, like on Sincerest Prayer. Each each song feels equally distinct to each producer’s style but always remains cohesive, which always floors me given these tapes are crafted in under 24hrs. Every single GEX tape no matter collaborative or solo captures some sort of lightning in a bottle, getting that immediate thought down on paper before it’s gone, and there’s something really special in that. I’d say this is a glowing highlight of Cise Greeny’s 2024, but the growth only continues…

KEY BEAT: Appreciation (.KLYNE) - this has honestly become one of my all time favourite beats, and wish it was 10x longer. Brittle hats and soft bells dance around the most beautiful vibratos and hard blocks of piano, looped to perfection. This could be any beatmakers swansong but instead it’s placed as yet another great moment on a great tape.