Single Review: 박혜진 Park Hye Jin’s Titular Track From Upcoming EP ‘How can I’ Sings With Thoughtful, Velveteen Elegance

박혜진 Park Hye Jin | How can I (single) | Ninja Tune

Album Release Date: 26 June, 2020

Following her debut EP ‘IF U WANT IT’ in 2018: LA-based, Seoul-born radiant multifaceted artist Park Hye Jin (with her name spelled 박혜진 in Korean) has been a dazzling bright light high on the radar of the electronic music industry. 

The skills of the ever kaleidoscopic DJ, producer, vocalist and rapper made waves almost immediately with her beautifully dreamlike and simplistic approach to creating highly immersive tracks – being recognised by the likes of major music publications in almost no time at all, along with highly acclaimed performances at distinguished festivals around the globe.

Park primarily constructed the six tracks on her upcoming EP ‘How can I’ as she toured for the first time across Europe, North America and Australia in 2019 – although of course, without the ability to predict the global circumstances under which ‘How can I’ would be released, Park has placed emphasis on why she feels the urgency to release her EP during this time period, stating:

“Who knows if I might die tomorrow, but at least if that happens, I’ll die really happy. Thank you for waiting. I appreciate you.”

Ever since we covered the release of the first single from the album ‘Like this’, we’ve been thoroughly looking forward to her Ninja Tune release of ‘How can I’ scheduled for June 26th. In anticipation for her new EP, 박혜진 Park Hye Jin has released the second single and titular track, reminding us even further of her prowess when it comes to crafting electronic music.

While her previous single ‘Like this‘ definitely saw Park using smooth, kind vocals as a prominent textural instrument within the minimalist tranquility of the house-led, techno blended cut; ‘How can I’ sculpts a striking spotlight on the songstress’ illustrious voice. The tone of her velveteen words slumber in a low, thoughtful tone as she repeats the phrase “How can I call you back?” a tone that is ultimately rich and lavishly decadent in its enchanting atmospheric resonance.

Her skill when it comes to rap shimmers in multiple instances throughout the track: her bold, reflective vocals glide effortlessly over a twinkling melody accompanied by a Trip-Hop-esque percussion, with her signature minimalism that glitters with a charming sense of calm. Park’s effortless blend of elements reminiscent of R&B love ballads (especially as moments of her simply speaking, peek through lovingly with intrigue – questions for the one the track may be dedicated to) and mesmerising ambience is almost effortless amongst the meditative nature of the intricate electronic soundscape, a steady beat allows for a clear progression as her choice in texture allows for an elegant simplicity teeming with melodious harmonies, providing a track that one would easily enjoy on repeat.

With the titular track showing quite a different approach as opposed to her previous single ‘Like this‘, yet still showcasing the producer’s skill when it comes to crafting minimalist electronic soundscapes – the difference between the two singles ultimately brings with it more curiosity as we anticipate her forthcoming release. The ability to create tracks that are quite different from one another by bending multiple genres, while still clearly allowing one’s distinct style to shine through in a way that doesn’t come across as disjointed at all – is quite a feat.

‘How can I’ will be released on June 26th, 2020.

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Rating: 8 / 10

Feature Image: 박혜진 Park Hye Jin by Hyo-Young-Choo