Introducing HiriHara, the enigmatic alias of the esteemed artist and producer formerly known as XJ. Longtime followers of the underground scene may recognize XJ’s remarkable contributions to El Mahdy Jr’s Rai Dubs, multiple features on our Boomarm Family Album series, and a collaborative effort with Gulls, released under ZamZam Sounds Khaliphonic imprint.
Khayin, the inaugural offering from HiriHara, signals a profound shift in sonic exploration for the artist. Drawing inspiration from their Mediterranean roots, the music resonates with the salty mist of the sea, echoing themes of displacement, travel, and arrival. The album commences with the haunting sounds of “Khayin,” invoking the weathered horizon of a sun that is neither setting nor rising but rather caught somewhere in between. Meanwhile, on “Mother,” the ocean’s gentle lapping and the creak of weathered wood set the stage for a journey brimming with introspection and emotion.
HiriHara’s sonic tapestry weaves together cinematic soundscapes, intricate percussion arrangements, and thunderous basslines, effortlessly traversing from evocative sound design to jungle-infused rhythms. Each track offers a profound glimpse into the tumultuous spirit of our times, refracting the energy, tenderness, and chaos of contemporary existence..
Moreover, Khayin heralds the return of El Mahdy Jr to the Boomarm roster in 2024. El Mahdy Jr’s signature touch graces “Joal,” while his remix of “Mother” provides a stirring conclusion to the release.
Reflecting on the genesis of HiriHara, the artist shares, “HiriHara emerged as a sanctuary, a blank canvas devoid of any past associations. It became a conduit for expressing the vision and melancholy that I was experiencing. The works encapsulated here were written between the aftermath of the Tohoku earthquake in 2011 and the fall of Aleppo in 2016.”
Khayin is not merely an album; it is a profound testament to the power of music as a vessel for introspection and transcendence. Available on all major streaming platforms, and as a limited edition cassette, this release beckons listeners to embark on a transformative sonic voyage.
credits
released April 26, 2024
Composed & Recorded by HiriHara between 2011-2017
Additional production on “Joal” by El Mahdy Jr.
Mastered by Jesse Munro Johnson in the Dojo.
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