With 11 tracks in total, CIFIKA's third studio album Bonfire offers a rich and warm sound that blends electronic music, alternative folk, ambient, pop and more. The LP also features up-and-coming producers Nancy boy (who has gained extensive production experience working with artists such as BTS's RM, Qim Isle, and Seori) and Umaka (a guitarist, producer, and singer-songwriter).

In particular, the album's lead track 'Little Drama', inspired by the “The Little Drummer Boy”, actively reflects the language and performance of metal, psychedelic and other rock music, as well as electronic sounds, culminating in a soaring drum sequence that depicts a ritual of people gathered around a campfire, and asking for comfort and tranquility.

The album's ethos is best exemplified on its title track, an alternative folk song that features the voices of the South Korean artist's dear friends in the chorus. Touching upon what it means to find connection and authenticity in today's world, 'Bonfire' offers comfort and inspiration to similarly echo the aural experience of people sitting around a campfire, away from the rigid hierarchies of the concrete jungle.

'View'

"The album’s intro, created with the intent to deliver a pure voice."

'If I Could Be'

“'If I Could Be' lies in its use of a vocal harmonizer during the electric guitar solo, which enhances its unique character. The song prioritizes preserving the raw, unpolished feel of the demo, capturing the primal essence of the guitar and vocals. The lyrics symbolically assures the listener that their potential remains intact."

'Little Drama'

"The foundational track of the album, inspired by the imagery of a “The Little Drummer Boy”, featuring tribal-like drums and guitar riffs. When Nancy boy and Umaka joined for arrangement, they incorporated a one-chord riff structure often seen in metal and rock, creating a sequential progression. Umaka recorded a powerful, raw guitar performance, imagining a “warrior” image, while Nancyboy incorporated psychedelic synth textures reminiscent of their early influences."

 

 

 

 

 

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'Hand in Hand'

"Created to be a minimalist composition with a repetitive loop, this draws lyrical inspiration from the 1988 Korean Olympic anthem 'Hand in Hand', contrasting the unity of that era with today’s skeptical society."

'Babes in the Wood'

"This song began as a jam over a drum loop created by Nancy boy and developed into a track centered on themes of an “eroded digital world.” The lyrics express the story of outcasts seeking refuge in the woods, away from digital media and biases. The title is derived from the American folk tale Babes in the Wood.

'Selena'

"Built on an arpeggio pattern Nancyboy created at the age of 19, this song highlights CIFIKA’s dreamlike qualities. The track combines both real and electronic drums, with a later section featuring guitar effects recorded live. Through the lyrics, the protagonist loses themselves under Selena’s (meaning “The Moon” in Greek) influence, depicting a blend of attraction and confusion."

'Bonfire'

"An alternative folk song driven by drum machines, with a top-line that embodies a dystopian protagonist. Featuring CIFIKA's actual friends  in the chorus, 'Bonfire' symbolizes resilience against life’s trials, with a determination to keep moving forward, much like the image of tribes gathering around a fire."

'Brush'

"Describing the emotional thrill of falling in love, symbolized through the gentle act of brushing hair, this track explores the sensation of love and vulnerability. Nancy boy contrasts soft vocals with carefully crafted synth textures."

'Pebble'

"A reinterpretation of Umaka’s earlier song 'Rolling Pebble', this collaboration captures an intimate, conversational atmosphere by preserving the ambient sounds of the guitar recording. Nancy boy and Umaka use guitar trills and strings to create an ethereal feel, exploring ideas of time, wounds, and moving forward despite differences.

 

 

 

 

 

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'Heart Piece Collector'

"A dream-pop track with shoegaze-inspired elements, this song incorporates a vocal narration in its latter half, designed to sound like an AI voice, adding to CIFIKA’s electronic style. Her operatic vocals here draw inspiration from the barcarolle in Act III of Offenbach’s The Tales of Hoffmann. In the lyrics, CIFIKA takes on the persona of a “Heart Piece Collector”, gathering fragments of torn and broken hearts. The song expresses a journey through lost memories and emotions that have sunk to the ocean floor, symbolizing voices of people holding on to unsent love letters and unhealed emotions."

'Totem'

"Inspired by Hermann Hesse’s concept in Demian that “fate and emotion are two names for the same concept.” This outro track provides a peaceful return from dreams, contrasting the album’s opening song 'View', which marked the beginning of a dream journey."