EXEA - Raw Emotions EP

Release Date: November 21st, 2025

Label: NYX Recordings

Austrian angels Erik Asatrian and Emma Robatjazy, better known as EXEA, are one of the most exciting duos to pass through the Soulvent camp in recent years. Their fresh and unique approach to drum & bass songwriting and production has been scintillating in our Dropbox folders for almost 12 months now, and it is our utter pleasure to finally share the output with you! The streets have been asking for something more substantial from the Alps, so it’s only right that we finally deliver the goods, in the form of the debut EXEA EP titled ’Raw Emotions’.

Opening with piano chords and Emma’s syrupy vocal, backed by pleasing harmonies and vocal layers, 'Honey’ is a sun-soaked liquid roller at its core. The drop sees in chirruping synth work, crisp drums and gorgeously funk-driven, often syncopated basswork. Playful arrangement & writing dazzle in the second verse, and of course there is a charming, pleasing, trademark EXEA half-time breakdown and outro to boot.

‘Carry You’ begins with some delightful tropical foley, and a flourish of synth-soundscapes which give way to Emma’s delightful voice. The lyrics are thought-provoking and aurally pleasurable in equal measure. Erik carries himself just as impressively with the high-energy drums and driving synths at the drop belying the calmness of the intro. The breakdown is also a technically impressive half-time affair, melding funk, soul and Emma’s wonderful vocals in a period of brief respite before you’re carried right back into the fray. This track will absolutely have you moving from start to finish.

Track 3 ‘Slow Down’ kicks into gear with rousing piano chords and Emma’s trademark luscious vocals, as Erik’s metered production creeps in around the foundations. The drop is utter stank-face-inducing funk, by way of understated, tight drums and deliciously staggered, syncopated synth bass, while Emma’s vocals painlessly find space to dance in the margins.

‘Spoil Me’ sees Emma’s vocals soaring atop moody strings, littered with chopped-and-screwed processing, before a kickroll gives way to a meaty drop. Erik’s boundless production abilities are quickly evident, effortlessly balancing a beefy-bassline with clean-cut drums, alongside signature EXEA vocal harmonies.

Penultimate track ‘Raw Emotions’ marks the only tempo deviation on the EP, proving that EXEA’s instantly recognisable approach is far from a one trick pony. Sweeping pads provide bed for Emma’s vocals to lounge, as the two-step percussion creeps into the intro. The drop is pure UKG vibes, with a gliding bassline, rolling breaks and plethora of ear candy nuggets littered throughout.

Closing track ‘On My Way’ gets to work with solitary piano chords, matched with trademark breathy, tender vocals, quickly beefed up with pulsating synthesizers. The drop sees in driving, plucky bassweight further fuelling Emma’s vocal sauce, while the instrumental sections allow Erik’s delightful production to shine through; a myriad of delightful bass & playful drum fills, punctuated by pleasing counter melodies. This one has the power to drive even the most dejected raver to text the group chat with the fated ‘OMW!’

Posted By Rob745