An armful of folk has arrived at the playground: HAINA MAIKA PUANA

A new song has arrived at the playground today.

This time our guest is HAINA MAIKA PUANA (다시한번말하자면). With a single acoustic guitar and a voice, they make folk music that quietly lowers the temperature of a room. I watched four songs in a row in the full NONOL LIVE video, and by the end my mind felt a good deal calmer.

The opener, 'Coconut Juice' (코코넛 주스), is as cool as its name. A crisp, holiday-bright guitar with a voice laid over it — it's like a cold drink on a hot day. The next one, 'Monologue 2' (혼잣말2), has a slightly different grain. There's something left unsaid tucked inside its low, murmured melody, so it lingers even after you turn the volume down.

'Find Me' (나를 찾아줘) felt like a word of comfort you'd offer yourself. Folk can be this gentle — I felt it all over again. The last track, 'Cappuccino' (카푸치노), spreads like the scent of warm coffee. Listen to all four in order and you feel like you've come back from a little trip around the block.

Watching through the screen, what I loved most was the unadorned sound. Instead of a big stage's lavish arrangements, the guitar and the voice are simply set down as they are. And somehow that makes them feel closer. Tonight, before you fall asleep, try savoring them one song at a time. These songs from the playground will round off the end of your day, softly.