The sultry charms of Fifi Rong awaken once again…
Having surprised listeners with the dynamic electropop of ‘The Same Road’ in 2017 (see our sister site The Electricity Club’s review), Fifi Rong launches her latest EP Awake with a strong entry for 2018.
Originally hailing from Bejing, Fifi has crafted her own unique style as part of the London music scene. Encompassing a broad range of influences, including electronica, dub and hip-hop, the singer, songwriter and producer has already chalked up an impressive series of releases, from her 2013 debut single release ‘Over You, first album Wrong and a whole series of captivating EPs, including 2014’s Next Pursuit and 2016’s Forbidden Desire. Fifi also contributed to Tricky’s 2013 album False Idols and Skepta’s 2016 album Konnichiwa. J-Pop Go also profiled the rising star for a special feature in 2013 (The Dream World Of Fifi Rong).
In 2016, Fifi also collaborated with Swiss electronic duo Yello on their last studio album Toy. More recently, she’s been out on tour with the pair. A venture which saw her performing to audiences across Germany, Switzerland and Austria.
Awake follows on from a series of singles that Fifi has released, including the sultry delights of ‘Future Never Comes’; the electropop perfection of the aforementioned ‘The Same Road’ and the languid appeal of ‘The One’.
As ever, Fifi has built up a following via the successes of her various PledgeMusic campaigns. The crowdfunding initiative has delivered some of the musician’s finest moments over 5 previous campaigns – and it continues to be an essential weapon for a broad selection of contemporary music artists (Gary Numan, Erasure and OMD among them).
Describing the themes of the Awake EP, Fifi muses on the human condition: “Awake is about waking up to the truth after you have hypnotised yourself and deconstructing the paradoxes of human nature: subordination and rebellion, pain and joy, self-limitation and liberation.”
The EP also sees Fifi working alongside past collaborator Max Dingel (who worked with Fifi on ‘The Same Road’). Dingel has chalked up an impressive CV in the past, working alongside the likes of Goldfrapp, The Killers, White Lies and Muse among others.
On her latest outing, the title track sees Fifi continuing to explore a more pop-orientated direction. The polished melodic heft of ‘Awake’ is given a punchy delivery care of the busy percussive elements. “Loneliness tastes good” intones Fifi, her breathy vocals lending a mesmerising attraction to the composition.
Awake continues to demonstrate the sensual musical talents of Fifi Rong and suggests her future will be paved with many more polished music moments.
Awake is out 23rd February 2018.
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