English

AMU DROPS HER FIRST EP ‘ERA’

A delicate blend of ambience and techno

Words: Kevin Kang

Amu is a Seoul-based DJ/producer, and she is also a director of txtrs.—a Seoul-based collective which recently released its compilation album. The artist is known for her unique blend of techno and ambient genres, and her music carries her innermost stories—one that stems from insecurity and fear.

Released today, amu’s first EP ‘Era’ is surely a polished effort. Throughout the entire album that flows over 20 minutes, amu invites the listeners on a journey to her world by borrowing the image of ‘water’. Like a continuous flow of water that transcends beyond time, the album effortlessly flows over ambient and techno soundscapes. Check out the EP here.

The album opener ‘River of No Return’ features Marilyn Monroe’s voice hovering over ambient pad sounds. After being asked in an interview whether she’s living a happy life, Marilyn Monroe carefully reveals her deep thoughts about life, happiness, and loneliness, which resonates throughout the song’s empty space like a message sent out to space. As the lingering impression of the first track slowly starts to fade away, 4 to the floor kicks of ‘Agami’ starts kicking in. Joined by another txtrs. affiliate MOON YIRANG, the collaborative track is laden with heavy hitting drums over unique soundscapes. After slowly building momentum over the two tracks, the album reaches its peak at ‘Black Water’. Mesmerizing dark voices repeating “Dark Water” and “Darker” in Korean, aggressive soundscapes, and thumping kicks all together reminds one of a peak time hour at a dimly lit techno club. The album also comes with a music video, which is a collaborative effort of amu, visual director Ji Seyoon, film director Kim Kyoungho, and dancer Choi Gibeum. Watch it here.

Like water, the album flows freely throughout the 4 tracks. Considering the fact that fewer people actually spend their time listening to an entire album, 20 minutes might come off as a long time. However, juxtaposed against numerous up-and-coming acts mostly focused on releasing singles, it is also the very reason why amu’s narrative is appealing.

 

Track List

1. 돌아오지 않는 강 River of No Return

2. 아가미 Agami (Feat. MOON YIRANG)

3. 어두운 물은 검게 Black Water

4. 섬 Seom

 

amu socials:

Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram | SoundCloud