First up on the list is “Calypso,” remixed by Delhi-based producer Abhishek Sekhri, who goes by the artistic moniker Goya.
Goya’s thoughtful and tentative production approach seamlessly aligns with the genre-bending, mind-melting music of GENN. Stripped back and punky with evident Mediterranean folk influences, this track resonates like a love letter to Malta, where three out of the four members hail from.
Leona Farugia’s soft, spoken vocals infuse deep meaning into every word, creating a profound resonance throughout the track against its overall reverberant feel. The dreamy, trance-like instrumentals contribute to an oxymoronic sense of comfort and tension. Around the 1-minute mark, saxophone lines emerge, alleviating and uplifting the overall feel of the track. The layers in this reimagined track intertwine to create a deeply reflective and imperceptible sonic tapestry.
Janelle Borg, the band’s guitarist, shares her appreciation for folk music from around the world, citing influences like Altin Gun, Crimi, and Etnika, who bring Mediterranean sounds to the forefront. The band, with a clear, developed political and societal understanding, seamlessly translates this into the fabric of “Calypso.” The remix is infused with a poignant perception, exploring the depth and clarity the track conveys.
As they embark on their upcoming tour from late February, make sure to catch GENN live in your city!
