Genesys is the debut solo album by Italian-American DJ and record producer Anyma, member of the music duo Tale of Us.
It was executive produced by Anyma and includes collaborations with Chris Avantgarde, Cassian, CamelPhat, Delhia de France, Grimes, Rebuke, Innellea, Poppy Baskcomb, and Sevdaliza. It was released on August 11, 2023, by Interscope Records and Afterlife, to generally positive reviews.
The album includes 14 tracks, 9 of which are collaborations with other artists, such as Grimes, CamelPhat, Innellea, Rebà «ke, and Sevdaliza. According to The album title refers to the genesis of a new musical and artistic vision, as well as to the theme of human-machine interaction that runs throughout the album.
The album is accompanied by a series of audiovisual shows and NFT artworks that depict the story of Eva, a humanoid character who represents the embodiment of Anyma's music and philosophy. Eva is a digital being who seeks to transcend her artificial nature and connect with her human emotions and spirituality.
To promote the record, several singles were released: The album's lead single, "Welcome to the Opera" was released on May 24, 2022, and marked the first collaboration between Anyma and Grimes. The track is a fusion of opera, techno, and pop, and features vocals by Grimes.
A remix made by Eric Prydz of Consciousness, was promoted as the album second single.
"The Sign" with CamelPhat was released as the third single from the record, and it saw commercial success, reaching the top ten on the UK Dance Chart and the Billboard Dance/Electronic Songs chart. "Eternity" and "Explore Your Future" were released as the fourth and fifth singles of the record. "Syren" with Rebuke was released as the sixth and final single from the album on July 28, 2023.
Genesys received positive reviews from music critics, who highlighted the album's diversity, creativity, and emotional perspective.
The album was described as "an exercise in dystopian storytelling" by EDM.com, and as "a unique sonic experience that invites the listener to journey into the inner realms of the self" by EDM Identity. The album also received recognition for its use of technology and visuals, especially the NFT artworks that were sold on the blockchain platform SuperRare. The NFTs featured Eva in various scenarios and environments, such as a futuristic opera, a desert landscape, and a cosmic space.
Michael Premier of Premier EDM praised the record, describing it as a "cohesive" and "thought-provoking concept album that feels increasingly rare in the current music climate". Premier called the tracks âÂÂConsciousnessâÂÂ, âÂÂEternityâÂÂ, and âÂÂThe Signâ as some of the "most iconic songs of the year", and highlighted âÂÂChordialâÂÂ, âÂÂThe PactâÂÂ, âÂÂUnearthâÂÂ, âÂÂExplore Your Futureâ and âÂÂThe Answerâ as his personal favorites. The Groove Cartel
Writing for We Rave You, Milan Zeisler praised Anyma's artistic vision, stating that the record "brilliantly illuminates AnymaâÂÂs path, elevating his career with its ingenious craftsmanship." Maria Clinton of EDM Identity said that the record provides clarity on who Anyma is as a solo artist, praising him for having "what it takes to dominate all on his own". She also called âÂÂConsciousness,â âÂÂEternity,â âÂÂThe Sign,â and,âÂÂSyrenâ as tracks that "will forever be locked in history as timeless works of art".