Taipei-based electronic jazz collective Fi-Né returns with their bold and inventive EP “Cinnamon Mango”, a four-track exploration of rhythm, soul, and genre-defying soundscapes. The group, comprising Suzy Lee (vocals, synth), Philip D’Avilar (drums, rap, producer), Sujong Park (bass), Henry Hu (keyboard), and Amy He (trombone), fuses jazz, funk, neo-soul, and electronica into a cohesive sonic identity, drawing comparisons to acts like Hiatus Kaiyote, Flying Lotus, and Knower.
The formation of Fi-Né is as organic as their music. Born from a rooftop jam session at a 2023 Taiwanese music festival, the group’s free-spirited energy and multicultural chemistry quickly captivated live audiences. The EP’s title, “Cinnamon Mango”, embodies duality: cinnamon representing warmth and depth, mango symbolizing brightness and passion. This balance of flavors translates seamlessly into the music, offering tracks that are both soulful and daring.
The EP showcases Fi-Né’s signature approach to harmonic complexity and rhythm. The opening track, “Cinnamon Mango”, introduces listeners to a lush blend of synth layers, propulsive drum-and-bass grooves, and improvisational jazz interplay. “Run Out” experiments with avant-garde jazz textures over rapid-fire rap, while “每個⼈都有秘密 (Everyone Has Secrets)” delivers irresistible bass lines and vintage soul vibes. The EP closes with “Zoology_remix”, a poetic reflection on human-animal connection, marrying lush jazz tones with house-inspired rhythms to create a dreamy, contemplative soundscape.
Beyond the music, Fi-Né embraces a cross-media vision, linking sound and visual art. The EP’s surreal imagery, a walking mango biting a stick of cinnamon, is integrated into a VR experience, with a limited-edition release featuring a custom VR cardboard headset and behind-the-scenes content. This multimedia approach amplifies the band’s commitment to innovation and immersive storytelling.
Each member of Fi-Né brings a distinct voice and perspective: Suzy Lee’s nu-soul vocals and AR/VR artistry, Philip D’Avilar’s dynamic production and rhythmic sensibility, Sujong Park’s grounded basslines, Henry Hu’s expressive jazz keys, and Amy He’s emotive trombone. Together, they craft music that feels alive, experimental, and deeply human.
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“Cinnamon Mango” is a testament to Fi-Né’s ability to merge global influences, technical mastery, and playful experimentation into a sound that is unmistakably their own. It is a vibrant statement from a band poised to leave a lasting imprint on the modern electronic jazz and fusion landscape, appealing to both audiophiles and casual listeners seeking depth, groove, and imagination.