released: march 28, 2025

genre: electronic / experimental

from: yorkshire, uk (based in london, uk)

label: hyperdub

a few thoughts: released earlier this year in march, aya’s sophomore album hexed! is a disorienting, abrasive electronic project which is manic in its energy, yet so fun to listen to. tracks like “off to the esso” have a pummelling, dance-heavy beat that sounds absolutely insane live (yes, i saw her at the ica in london not too long ago, and the whole gig was absolutely insane). with intricate electronic compositions on tracks like “the names of f****t chav boys”, the crazy energy of “heat death”, or the dynamic and moody “peach”, there’s so much to admire about aya’s ability to channel so many of her sonic influences through an album that feels like a jumbo of different styles and genres, while keeping her trademark sound via moody and haunting soundscapes. there’s a heaviness on this album that feels overwhelming and overpowering, but so necessary. hexed! is a truly memorable body of work.

the album: