TOKiMONSTA cut her teeth in the LA beats scene (Low End Theory, first female signee to Brainfeeder). After a slew of successful releases (4 LPs, EPs, remixes), however, she quietly went on a hiatus, and we only recently found out why; she had to deal w/ a life-threatening brain condition. After going through surgery, TOKi lost her ability to produce language and to hear music, but she prevailed. Lune Rouge is the producer's first post-recovery project, and she infuses her leftfield production chops w/ pop & r&b sensibilities. Cinematic, serene, and introspective, the album features SAINTS, Selah Sue, MNDR, Yuna, Joey Purp, and other guests, and TOKi is able to craft a imaginative body of work that does not lose accessibility. Check how she incorporates traditional Korean sounds (gayageum) into "Bibimbap," or the uplifting chords and trap cadences of "Rose's Thorn." Other lights include "We Love," "NO WAY," and the chill-but-addictive "Don't Call Me."

• red colored vinyl pressing
• music label: Young Art Records 2017

reviewed by rei kwondo 1/2018