Influenced by the likes of Bjork and The Knife, half Burmese half Scottish Fiona Soe Paing is an innovative electronic producer and songwriter; already been receiving acclaim from the likes of Mary Ann Hobbes and Tom Robinson, and wowing crowds with her unique live performances, she is now set to release her debut album.
Alien Lullabies is filled with unsettling electronic soundscapes alongside Soe Paing’s off-kilter vocals, showcasing what an utterly beguiling and entirely original artist she is. Created as a soundtrack to a mesmerising live performance and 3D animation put together by Soe Paing and collaborator Zennor Alexander, Alien Lullabies is a debut that is truly unique in its dark beauty.
Opening, appropriately, with an eerie instrumental ‘Prelude’, the album continues with the pounding beats of ‘Tamin Sah Pade’ as the distinctive vocals of Soe Paing swoop in; reminiscent of the glitchy grandeur of Massive Attack, it does indeed sound quite ‘alien’, but in the best possible way. ‘Tah Stin Koh Mpor’ oozes an alluring cacophony of clashing electro sounds, the sonic equivalent of an intriguing abstract work of art. Although the title may sound a little more conventional, ‘Swamp Blues’ will captivate with its haunting, discordant grace – as its throbbing beats strike against Soe Paing’s off-kilter vocals, the dramatic tension builds and you’re left bewitched and bewildered.
‘Two Sisters’ is a soaring, cinematic creation juxtaposing uptempo tribal beats with Soe Paing’s perceptive and topical lyrical storytelling. Whilst ‘Winter Day’ sparkles with a delicate effervescent beauty which offers a glimpse into Soe Paing’s oriental heritage, ‘Heartbeat’ flows with pulsating, grimey electro beats alongside a haunting beauty – a climactic soundscape that could easily accompany a contemporary dance piece.
As the dark, intense hum of ‘Roller Ghoster’ gradually builds to a hectic pulsating dance anthem, the album continues to prove itself as a roller coaster of beguiling sounds and intense emotion; Fiona’s enchanting spoken word vocals soaring throughout.
Drawing the album to a close is ‘Time Clocks’ – a short track filled with twinkling, clock-like sounds and the gentle melody of a lullaby. A perfectly beautiful end to a beautifully unique debut.
Alien Lullabies, the debut album from Fiona Soe Paing, is out now via Colliderscope.