Berhana, originally from Atlanta, moved to New York for school, and in 2016 released his self-titled debut project. One of the tracks, "Grey Lugh," was featured on season 2 of the hit TV series Atlanta. HAN is the first full-length from the artist, and it's a fine collection of personal tales told over a retro-futuristic backdrop (co-produced by Pomo). Drawing from city pop, r&b, alternative rock, and electronic music, the 14-tracker, with clever jet-set segues that perhaps allude to the range of influences, makes for a funky, groove-soaked listen—check out the vintage boogie vibes on "Heath Food" or the dynamic & fun style shift on "G2g." "California" and "Drnuk" are also highlights, and Crush, a Korean r&b singer-songwriter, assists for a lone feature (in Korean) on "I Been."

• blue vinyl
• music label: EQT Recordings 2019

reviewed by singing in japanese 11/2019