Out of the studio and into the world, Melbourne borne YUJEN have put out their debut EP, titled ‘No Awake’ through Detail Co..
It features lead single ‘Try It Over’ featuring CHET FAKER; a track that encompasses the delicacies of ambience, and particularly combines this element with a humble beat and the raspy soulfulness of his voice.
The EP itself begins with ‘Heirloom’, a beautiful array of sweeping synths and colourful tones. It glides its way across this atmospheric sound, until a beat is introduced and it feels like an electronic track. Dissimilarly, ‘Ultramarine’ and ‘Enough By Now’ take advantage of the potential lullaby in guitar sounds. Lightly strumming to create a glissando effect, the warm guitar line interplays with the synths to create a harmonic sequence that just works so well.
I think there’s a recurrence across the EP, and that is these tiny sounds that act as an atmospheric layer, later blending to create a smooth and complete picture. ‘Hz’ is a purely atmospheric track, relying on legato phrases and sustained echoes to radiate an absolutely gorgeous array of sounds and instruments.
‘Minor Observations’ combines a haunting vocal line with an echo effect to sustain this almost hollow sound, as if one was floating in a river inside a cave. The sounds throw against each other, creating a slight “drip, drip, drip” sound, and are further accentuated by the soft pitter-patter of percussion.
I feel like there’s no real order to have to listen to the songs of the EP in. I feel as though the songs work together to express this harmonic symphony of atmosphere, but at the same time, work beautifully as individual pieces. It seems that they strive to put the listener inside their own head, because the EP is just so relaxing and so organic, it’s very hard not to.
YUJEN have honestly created a masterpiece, and it’s only refreshing to hear such innovative music being created.
Words by Caitlin Medcalf
SEE ALSO:
WATCH: CHET FAKER ’1998′ (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
WATCH: CHET FAKER LIVE BOILER ROOM SET @ ROOFTOP BAR, MELBOURNE
