Note: Jihae (pronounced “jee-heh”) is a native South Korean who moved to New York City in her early teens.
Also Note: Her debut album, My Heart Is an Elephant, features guest performers Lenny Kravitz (bass, lead guitar), Oscar-winning filmmaker Michel Gondry (percussion) and R.E.M./U2 producer/engineer Patrick McCarthy (beats and arrangements).
Sound: Hypnotic, hazy and seductive. Jihae’s sensual and slightly nasal vocals swim through a dreamy mix of low-key electronics, dark/spare jazz and reserved indie rock.
Heavy Rotation track: “Cement Garden”
Medium Rotation tracks: “Do I Move You?”; “Faint”
Explicit Lyrics*: none
Recommended: If you like dark and mysterious music that favors a narcotic vibe over a catchy hook. Jihae’s vocals are often reminiscent of Poe (who had her biggest success with 1995’s Hello) and can take you back to the mid-90s, trip-hop era that featured Poe, Portishead and Morcheeba.
Grade: B
* Noting of explicit lyrics is for the benefit of radio music directors or anyone else that needs/wants to keep their music FCC-friendly.
I like so much Jihae’music its perfect for a relax afternoon for me.