Drawing us in with the sound of rippling water and footsteps, Sienná opens Wa-Kei-Sei-Jyaku 和敬清寂 with intrigue, dimensionality and a track called So May It Be. The introduction to the record features divergent melodies tapping into Eastern themes with cosmic nuance, and needless to say, we are in awe! We appreciate the industrial and experimental elements, as well as the instrumental mastery demonstrated by the composer as she takes us on a somewhat evocative journey.
Next up is, Ajikan Meditation opens with a metallic vibe and visceral melodies, akin to what might be the sounds of an ancient civilisation. We are hypnotized by the depth conveyed in the piece and the bold drums, fused with bell sounds to take us on a journey through time and space, and the psyche of the creator. The composition has a naturally mediative respite before an immersive final featuring intimate vocals that invite us to go deeper. The strings outro is transcendental.
Encircle Me Now kicks off with a synth melody and intricate and vibrant sound design, before an immersive bassline and pulsating beat entice us further. We connect with the subversive elements fused with luscious melodies, creating a cohesive tapestry of sound which resonates throughout the record. Ajikan Meditation expands with a high octane energy with an almost 8-bit meets cinematic hybrid vibe, showcasing some textured vocals to add further depth to the piece.
We then experience, Evils In, Fortune In which features with a bold bass line and dynamic percussion before we are met with an almost club-esque drum pattern with 80s nuance.
Four Stones, Three Waters, Eight Forests showcases an astral synth and intricate keys as are possessed by vocal textures, allowing us to connect on a more profound level with the creator. The meditative nature of the opus expands into a bright and cinematic vibe, and we are lost in the wonder that Sienná shares with her skillset.
The follow up is One Life, One Encounter with juxtaposed melodies, detailed sound design and enigmatic vocal ad libs which encourage us to go deeper, understanding the oneness of the reality that we share. The star sings, the title of the track and shares poetic prowess and a charismatic retro-tinged performance.
Red Bird Arises, Dragon Awakes takes on a more cerebral approach with driving beat and dramatic strings, the piece grows with intensity, taking us on an immersive and intuitive journey towards the title track of the record.
This leads us to Wa-Kei-Sei-Jyaku which opens with Eastern riffs and a n emotive strings arrangement, once again tapping into the cinematic edge that Sienná showcases with her visionary compositions. We deeply connect with the harmonics of the title track of the album, and the pseudo-dramatic nature of the piece.
The final track is aptly titled, Pay It Forward, opening with panning vocals and experimental textures with a playful bassline. The composition showcases a mysterious edge with robotic vocals sharing intentional words and phrases, whilst the signature metallic production that Sienná offers accompanies the prose.
We learn that the Kyoto-born and Oslo-based artist has been building a cult following and making a name for herself internationally in the underground electronica scene.
Wa-Kei-Sei-Jyaku is Sienná‘s sixth full album, where she channels her love of “East-meets-West” concepts, capturing her “no-rules” approach to songwriting. Speaking on the release, the star confesses, “I visualized what came up in my mind in silence during the pandemic, and now I’m happy to let them fly out of the nest. I dedicate my release to Ryuichi Sakamoto whose music has been an essential part of my life.”