박혜진 Park Hye Jin x Nosaj Thing | CLOUDS | Ninja Tune
Release Date: 9 December, 2020
In June of this year, 박혜진 Park Hye Jin released her EP ‘How can I’ and has been lauded for her ability to craft her sound in a manner that definitely stands out from many artists in the electronic music world of late. Rising to fame at such a young age, the producer, rapper, vocalist and DJ is known for her incredible dynamism when it comes to her work.
Blending genres in a style so unique she puts her plethora of skills to work and has embossed her name into a world where many artists have lost their very own dynamism. The musician recently shared a remix of her track ‘Can you’ by Galcher Lustwerk and further collaboration with Blood Orange on her track ‘CALL ME’ in which he added his own vocals; let’s just say the producer has certainly been busy.
For artist Jason Chung, otherwise known as under his moniker Nosaj Thing; we saw a wonderful return as he released his first solo work since 2017 in his latest EP ‘No Mind’ released in October. A producer who, too, earned his stars at a young age as he sculpted his own distinct auditory personality; following his debut in the early 2010’s, Chung became known as one of the leading figures when it comes to the rise in popularity of the chillwave genre. ‘No Mind’ captured fans with the hypnotic serenity of the reflective atmosphere he created.
Now in collaboration between the two fellow Los Angeles artists, we see both of their personalities shine through in their brand new single ‘CLOUDS’ – which, perhaps as the name suggests, presents us with a relaxed, meditative experience as both artists bind their skills into something precious.
One of the most noticeable aspects of ‘CLOUDS’ is how seemingly effortlessly both Park and Chung’s distinct musical personalities work together. The collaborative blend glides gracefully across the glistening meditative, downtempo feel of the track itself, with both aspects of the artists signature skills shining through vividly. Opening with a determined pulse and the rise and fall of a gentle synth, the aura immediately presents itself as lovingly atmospheric, the layered ambience creating a mesmerising feel from the get-go; while still managing to remain driven and strong in the presence of the beat.
Sparkling with delay, Park’s celestial vocals flow elegantly within the lush soundscape; her lo-fi segue into rapping delicately accompanying Chung’s known strength in building radiant, full electronic atmospheres. The textural intricacy of the track sings aglow with layers that grow gradually but diligently – Park’s signature style of minimal house dancing in companionship with the overall mesmerising serenity of ‘CLOUDS’.
As the track title may suggest, one can’t help but think of laying on their back within radiant green grass, calmly finding patterns in the wistful clouds floating up above, dreaming in meditation.
Rating: 7.5 / 10
Feature Image: 박혜진 Park Hye Jin by The1Point8
