Richard Russell’s project Everything Is Recorded is back, bringing another deliciously unexpected collaboration to the table. The XL Recordings founder has teamed up with Peter Gabriel and Maryland rapper .idk. for the new rap single “Beyond the Brilliant Haze,” which is now available everywhere via XL.
This track marks a vibrant departure from the spectral folk and soul textures that defined Russell’s acclaimed 2025 album Temporary. While Temporary was steeped in atmosphere, “Beyond the Brilliant Haze” throws a sharp left turn, introducing an electrifying blend of disparate musical worlds.
The collaboration itself is a masterclass in sonic juxtaposition, uniting three distinct artistic voices. The song showcases how wildly different sounds can fuse into something stunningly cohesive.
Before this new venture, Russell had explored creative chemistry with Gabriel on “Four Kinds of Horses” from Gabriel’s 2023 album i/o. This latest pairing continues that successful dynamic, building on a foundation of shared musical vision.
The resulting single was mixed by Grammy-winning producer Mike Elizondo, perfectly capturing the contrasting energies at play. For .idk., born Jason Mills, the opportunity felt like an unexpected adventure. “Working with Peter and Richard was a complete honor,” he shared, describing the final result as a beautiful mess of juxtaposition.
Gabriel echoed this sentiment, appreciating how disparate elements can be fused together. He noted that bringing .idk. into the project was an inspired choice, injecting strong musical contrasts that elevated the song. The track ultimately demonstrates that when true creative friction is embraced, the most brilliant melodies emerge.
Credit: Spin
