EP REVIEW: Didi + Ping Releases EP ‘PATHFINDER + SOLITUDE’
EP REVIEW: Didi + Ping Releases EP ‘PATHFINDER + SOLITUDE’
The Action-Packed Two-Track EP was Released on October 13th, 2021
Words By: Jordyn Kieft
Asian-Canadian electronic artist, multi-instrumentalist, and experimental producer Didi + Ping recently released their two-track EP Pathfinder + Solitude. Inspired both by music and his natural surroundings, Kristian Wang, who performs under the moniker Didi + Ping [“Didi” means “younger brother” in Mandarin and “Ping” is Wang’s Chinese namesake], infuses lilting melodies, emotional chords, and mesmerizing instruments into his music. Pathfinder + Solitude celebrates Wang’s robust musical proclivities, his rustic upbringing, and the colorful personalities who shaped him while illuminating the notion of embracing the unknown.
Didi + Ping has four previously released singles including his debut single “Buffalo Jump,” “Pharaoh,” “Take Flight,” and most recently “Rings of Saturn.” “Buffalo Jump,” which was featured on TIDAL’s Rising Electronic playlist, includes melodious flute trills, vigorous hand drums, and fascinating samples of a Native American pow wow. Each of Wang’s previously released singles honors the mysteries of the planet and the serenity of nature while providing an out-of-this-world experience through compositional prowess and atmospheric production.
“Pathfinder” kicks off this EP with a unique take on a deep and up-tempo melodic house. Leading the charge with fiery mallet percussion and rubbery bass lines, it beckons to us from beyond the horizon. “Pathfinder” is an inspiring force, made to spark a fire on the dance floor. “Solitude” concludes the project with more of a gentle thought. Classically composed to soothe and relax with emotional chords and lush violins “Solitude” is a fitting companion track that summons serenity for those who feel they take the road less traveled.
Wang has been named on both DJ Mag’s 10 Emerging Artists You Need To Hear as well as Billboard’s First Spin of their Best New Dance Tracks with his new EP. Pathfinder + Solitude by Didi + Ping is an action-packed EP that easily showcases Wang’s talents as an artist, instrumentalist, and producer.
