Sijya’s work is particularly recognisable in left field electronic spaces across the country. Her music is patient and unbothered by forces outside of it. A strong flavour of sensuality coupled with an uneasy feeling of impending doom, Sijya has crafted a singular aesthetic for herself. On ‘Leather & Brass’ Sijya furthers what we know about her in a more potent sense and with refined production. Her art has also earned her a spot on the roster of coveted UK record label ‘One Little Independent’.
‘Leather & Brass’ opens with ‘I only want to crash’, a warm ambient opener anchoring itself around a single melody synth line. Later accessorised by heavily distorted noise in tasteful proportion and vocals, the song is dark, lonely and very reminiscent of the ‘Twin Peaks’ sonic palette. ‘Rust’ takes after the opening track but only momentarily as the track expands into itself with each crispy element of the song joining the meditative march. Sijya’s vocals which have been relatively buried in her previous EP, completely embraces centre stage here. The song is deceptive with some really abrasive and pulsing sounds camouflaged in its hazy afterglow. For its pace the composition really explodes with heavy lead synths while still holding on to its meditative core.
‘Do I Know’ is probably the most approachable in terms of sound and songwriting. This is also the most energetic track of the lot and as such lends an appropriate dynamic variety to the album. ‘Do I Know’ features a powerful metallic snare which speaks of a more extroverted and intentional Sijya. While her earlier work is delicate and spacious, ‘Leather & Brass’ is more of a confident statement and this track proves it. ‘Safe’ embodies a looming sadness, self doubt and indulges in self deprecation. It’s a chant for a rainy day to remind you that it’s there and always going to be there. At this point I really have to credit Sijya for being an openly sad artist and not just melancholic. Her writing and delivery on the songs so far don’t sugarcoat the emotion. It presents them in the rawest, most brooding way. While it makes the songs a tougher listen it also conveys honesty.
‘Why do you fight me’ continues to carry sadness on a comforting bed of synths. Completely embracing its pace, the song trudges forward heavily. But comforting as it is, Sijya’s vocal performance is painful and probably my favourite from the EP. Usually brandishing lower pitches, she showcases her range even if it is for a moment. I do want to hear more vocal versatility from her even if it’s in a similar context, sonically. The final track on the EP, ‘Tabla’ is the track most similar to her material from her earlier EP ‘Young Hate’. The song possesses a percussive playfulness that can be heard all throughout the aforementioned EP. The song is the lightest and brightest of the bunch and to that does provide a gentle ending to an otherwise heavy and highly textured EP.
‘Light & Brass’ is definitely setting a precedent for artists to be their real self and not to sell out to a diluted sound just to be palatable. Sijya who has definitely grown as writer, vocalist and more excitingly a producer, continues to show why it’s important to dive into the deep end and find your own footing. It should also be noted that Sijya’s sonic singularity doesn’t come from her deep knowledge of the craft – producing and sound design – but precisely because she doesn’t. To that end she also enjoys not being needlessly restricted in to boxes other artists might find themselves regularly. The rules don’t apply to her because she doesn’t know them and that’s a beautiful thing. I’m sure we’re going to hear more obscure music from Sijya and that makes me glad. Please get more brutal and angular, you can be sure that I’ll be there to listen to it.
Listen to ‘Leather & Brass’ by Sijya Apple Music & Spotify
