KELELA — Hallucinogen EP

Kelela – Hallucinogen EP arrives on Warp Records as catalogue number WAP387, a 12-inch vinyl offering six new cuts that sit at the intersection of R&B, beats hip-hop and bass-heavy textures. The EP, freshly signed to the venerable Warp imprint, showcases Kelela’s forward-thinking take on Future-R&B, with production contributions from Arca, MA, Nugget & Kingdom, DJ Dahi, and Gifted & Blessed. Within Warp’s 2026 outlook, Hallucinogen EP follows a series of high-profile releases such as Boards of Canada’s “Hi Scores” (WARPLP376) and Aphex Twin’s “Drukqs LP 4x12” (WARPLP92R), positioning Kelela’s work among a roster that continues to push electronic boundaries. Although the label’s upcoming schedule is dense, this EP stands out as a vocal-centric entry that balances the label’s experimental pedigree with a more intimate, song-based approach. Side A opens with “A Message (prod. Arca)”, a track that the label describes as a sensual, high-definition R&B approach. Its atmosphere leans into a shimmering groove that invites deep listening while retaining a rhythmic pulse suitable for late-night sets. The follow-up “Gomenasai (prod. MA)” continues the mood, offering a reflective tone that bridges the opener’s intensity with a smoother, melodic flow. Closing side A, “Rewind (prod. Nugget, Kingdom)” adds a slightly more kinetic edge, its arrangement propelling the momentum forward and setting up the record’s second half. Side B begins with “All the Way Down (prod. DJ Dahi)”, a composition that deepens the record’s bass-centric feel, providing a weighty foundation that can anchor a DJ’s low-end spectrum. The title track “Hallucinogen (prod. Arca)” follows, delivering the EP’s most hypnotic moment; its layered textures and nuanced shifts create a space for DJs to weave in and out of the mix, while listeners can lose themselves in its immersive ambience. The record closes with “The High (prod. Gifted & Blessed)”, a final statement that balances uplift with restraint, offering a satisfying resolution that echoes the EP’s overall thematic cohesion. Kelela’s Hallucinogen EP arrives at a time when the artist’s catalogue is expanding through Warp, reinforcing a trajectory that blends emotive vocal work with forward-looking production. The EP’s six songs have already garnered “Album Of The Week” placements in Spin and Stereogum, and Pitchfork praised its sensual, finely tuned R&B perspective. Such critical attention underscores the record’s relevance within contemporary underground music, where genre-blurring projects are increasingly valued. For DJs, the EP provides a versatile toolkit: the opening track’s polished sheen works well as a warm-up, “All the Way Down” supplies a deep, club-ready bass line, and “Hallucinogen” offers a hypnotic centerpiece for peak-time moments. Collectors will appreciate the cohesive sequencing and the presence of high-profile producers, while the vinyl format ensures an analog depth that complements Kelela’s nuanced vocal delivery. The release is pressed as a 12-inch vinyl, adhering to Warp’s standard format for EPs of this nature. Its physical presentation aligns with the label’s reputation for quality pressings, delivering the music in a format that respects both the artist’s vision and the collector’s expectations. Kelela – Hallucinogen EP, Warp, catalogue WAP387, 12-inch vinyl, six tracks. Tracklist: A1. Kelela – A Message (prod. Arca) A2. Kelela – Gomenasai (prod. MA) A3. Kelela – Rewind (prod. Nugget, Kingdom) B1. Kelela – All the Way Down (prod. DJ Dahi) B2. Kelela – Hallucinogen (prod. Arca) B3. Kelela – The High (prod. Gifted & Blessed)