Existing on the boundaries of trip hop, electronica, blues and alternative, Jihae is an amalgamation of Bjork, DJ Kush, and Portishead. Mellow synths and smooth, raspy vocals combine to form effortlessly attractive tracks on Fire Burning Rain.
“Eyes Open Wide” starts the album, giving it a brooding, mysterious aesthetic. Jihae’s husky voice juxtaposed against bright synthesizers, creates a unique contrast that matches the lyrics, “I’m scared to dream/with eyes open wide,” and the high pitches transform the track into the fantasy world her words fear.
“Tuilerie” is hauntingly beautiful, depth is created as voice and instrumental blend and fold into each other. Simple, repeated guitar notes are met with a deep, echoing sound, similar to a whale call. Jihae croons, “And the night/with Angels wake/and all the wonders of the world,” speaking of this peaceful yet surreal environment. As she ascends the scales in her airy yet powerful way, the echoing call increases as well, creating a full, round and chillingly harmonic sound that gives the song its power.
The mid tempo jam, “Jujulee” brings together synth, accordion, and violin for a catchy tune with folk elements (think modern, faster interpretation of Russian Jewish folk song, “Tumbalalaika”). “My Love” is upbeat as well, as the singer asks her lover what parts of her he admires the most. Heavy drum patterns and space age sounds brighten the song, giving it energy and momentum.
Overall, Fire Burning Rain is consistently exciting. Jihae engages listeners through the stunning interaction of music and vocals, along with eccentric and poetic, yet comprehensible lyrics, making each and every track full and vibrant.
Conclusion – A serving of music enjoyed best while tripping on drugs at an electro/trip hop fest, in an isolated forest full of hippies.
Sounds like the kind of music I’ll need when I’m trying to “leave” from time to time. We savor different music for different purposes, and this will be one I chose for the purpose of disappearing every once in a while. Seems perfect for a space trip. Don’t worry, I’ll be back.