Park Hye Jin

Before I Die

Image of Park Hye Jin - Before I Die
Record Label
Ninja Tune

About this item

Debut album from the hyped tae fook South Korean artist Park Hye Jin. Now located in LA, it seems 2021 is the explosive year for this in-demand act.

Stiring up a storm through her "If U Want It" 12", plus some tasty collaborations with the likes of Clams Casino, Blood Orange, Galcher Lustwerk and Nosaj Thing, the Ninja Tune-signed genius lays out her sonic identity in an edgy, attitude-filled LP which is both hi-tek and emotion-filled.

Stylistically, Jin seems to digest booty bass and ghetto house, combine it with some of the modern lo-fi house aesthetics and give it her own uniquely S. Korean sugary icing. Some of her drum patterns recall early DJ Rush or Green Velvet, while at other times lo-fi pioneers like Seinfeld and DJ Boring are clearly an influence. It's her deadpan, cool ass delivery that really seals the deal though. Taking influence from Chicago drill, post-punk and pop and somehow gelling it all together into something sincerely her own.

It's a beautifully modern LP which loses none of its soul from being entirely electronic. A future star in the making. Recommended. 

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: The wonderful 'Before I Die' sees Park Hye Jin renewing her take on oft-minimal footwork influenced house. It's a sleek and breezy affair, with the more propulsive moments being tempered with her heavily reverbed, hypnotic vocals forging a brilliant combination of drive and nuanced, lo-fi percussion.

TRACK LISTING

Side A
Let’s Sing Let’s Dance
I Need You
Before I Die
Good Morning Good Night
Me Trust Me
Where Did I Go
Never Give Up

Side B
Can I Get Your Number
Whatchu Doin Later
Sex With ME (DEFG)
Where Are You Think
Never Die
Hey, Hey, Hey
Sunday ASAP
I Jus Wanna Be Happy 

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