Following Rashid Ajami's sensational debut on TOR with the Never Knew EP last year, we're thrilled to welcome him to XYZ alongside the always-delightful Italian duo Madraas, who've graced the likes of Tale and Tone and Futurescope in recent months. Through work with the likes of Maya Jane Coles, Booka Shade, and Atjazz, Ajami has built a sterling reputation with releases on Get Physical, Einmusika, Anjunadeep, and Tale and Tone.

For their first original collaboration, Rashid and Madraas come together on the sensational 'Love Is Animal' EP. The A-side ignites the groove, as a sub-laden bassline rises and falls under crisp drum rhythms. The melodic piano hook comes alive alongside a blissful vocal performance, with a lush build creating magical dancefloor moments.

On the flip, 'The New Word' harnesses classical flavors and somber tones, stirring us into a melancholic flow in the early stages. Vocal chops remain distant and hazy as strings and pianos balance eachother, allowing synthetic stabs to swirl. A blissful B-side from the UK x Italy connection.