Gemma – “Good Grace” (Stereogum Premiere)
Felicia Douglass is well-known as the lead vocalist on some of Ava Luna’s most memorable singles. “Coat Of Shellac,” off of this year’s Infinite House, is a bright, albeit anxious R&B-tinged track that questions the validity of a relationship, and the melody on Electric Ballon’s “PRPL” ascends and expands the experimental album into something that, with a twist of Douglass’ particular brand of light, gleams a bit brighter. In addition to playing with Ava Luna, Douglass has worked alongside Toro Y Moi, Sinkane, Diane Coffee, Mr. Twin Sister, and Erik Gundel, whom she collaborates with on her latest endeavor, Gemma. The two met after playing a show together at the Market Hotel some five-odd years back, and eventually decided to work together on an electronic project. Gemma is the result of their joint efforts, and though the duo initially didn’t anticipate putting out a full-length under the moniker, plans changed, and their debut album, As Ever, is slated to be released this coming October on Inflated Records. We named the title track one of the 5 Best Songs Of The Week, and today we’re premiering the album’s second single. “Good Grace” is a flirtation of sorts, a danceable song that stretches out and fills your cranky cranial cavities with joy. Its production mimics all of Douglass’ positivity as she asks her subject: “Tell me how you got that good grace.” Listen below.
As Ever is out 10/2 via Inflated Records. Preorder it here.