This #FeatureFriday, we have the Justice (EP) by Kiffie, an EP that was made entirely on 21st August 2025 using three main instruments: Roland JX-08, Roland TR-08 and vocals.
First things first, this is impressive, right? I mean, I love a concept, a challenge, and this is both. Not only does it succeed, it works really well. Kiffe’s vocals are strong and melodic. They really stand out. They feel warm against the glassy cold digital synth, which I’m also a big fan of.
It feels melancholic, contemplative, but also has a sense of the injust. It asks questions. It also points a very accurate finger towards each of us and those who stand by. It takes a lot on its shoulders, a heaviness that some of us would rather shrug off at times, but can’t.
Musically, I love motifs, especially track 3, “Slamming Doors” – it has this early 80s Italian horror square wave riff that sits on a bed of synth lines and gently moving pads. It adds weight to the lyrics, which are delivered so well; it reminds me of all the first wave 80s synth pop.
All in this EP is a piece of work to be really proud of. That said if you enjoy darker 80s synth pop, then this should be right up your street. Highly recommended.
Kiffie’s “Justice” is relatively minimalistic Darkwave, more Joy Division or Bauhaus than Dead Can Dance or Sisters Of Mercy. The closest band in sound and atmosphere that I can think of, is an early Deine Lakaien. This is a style of music that I appreciate, but rarely listen to unprompted, so there is not much about the production that I can confidently talk about, other than “it works”.
The atmosphere of the piece is a different matter, however. The mood is angry, depressed and almost defeatist, but not confrontational or aggressive. It sounds like the ideal soundtrack to the times we live in, or at least one of several ones.
As the title suggests, the concept being explored here, is justice. The first track gives examples of why justice is needed, while the third warns about mistakes being made when pursuing it. The EP’s final track ultimately seems to be about the very meaning behind justice. It is also the least industrial and depressive sounding of the four songs. What makes this stand out the most, is the way it was produced: in it’s entirety in only one day. I’d say Kiffie has succeeded in creating a cohesive and good sounding album in a very short timeframe.
Overall I would recommend this EP to people who enjoy slower, more gothic soundscapes. The production “just works”, everything sounds good and the concept behind the music is very much needed.
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