As we approach YUNA‘s multifaceted artistic universe, it’s instantly clear how hard it can be to fully grasp the extent of her nuanced and eclectic work. What you need to know, for now, is that the Chinese-born, London-based creative enjoys many hats, be it a musician, a multimedia artist, or an event organiser. ‘CU XX’ is her latest effort, a challenging EP that sees YUNA reckoning with her new life in the UK, and all the cultural tension that comes with it.
From a sonic standpoint, ‘CU XX’ delivers a treasure trove of influences and references, a striking look into YUNA’s layered, bold artistic universe. For instance, a track like ‘CAN U HEAR’ starts off with ethereal, Chinese-esque percussion, then veers into otherworldly textures, and ultimately jumps straight into a trance-flavoured build-up. Elsewhere, ‘RESTART’ follows a more conventional electronic formula, with bilingual vocals being put on full display. It’s here that we can catch the everlasting tension between YUNA’s leftfield, experimental persona, and her more song-leaning side.
Defining the EP as Zoneout Music, YUNA explains: “Zoneout is less a sound or style than an act, a way of slipping between attention and distraction, becoming absorbed in one’s surroundings while simultaneously drifting away from them. It is a state where feelings surface unexpectedly, where the familiar becomes strange, and where moments of wonder can sit alongside existential uncertainty.” That’s what ‘CU XX’ represents, to its core. A byproduct of YUNA’s sensorial perception and emotional escapism.
Recommended! Discover ‘CU XX’ now: