Dayangsung : Si
Even though Dayangsung‘s Si is from 2024, it brings back memories of 2015-2018 era of Korean rock. It’s a mix of rock and slower tempo melodic songs. Every song is a strong contender and showcases a lot of the band’s sides. Si is a solid rock album that’s filling a missing hole.
Genre: rock, melodic rock
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Savina and Drones : Lasha
Savina and Drones has evolved so much since their 2010 EP. The music isn’t easily placed in any particular genre because it moves and flows as it will. Lasha is a deep album that honestly deserves a longer essay. I listen to Savina and Drones because they continue to impress with every release.
Genre: pop, indie, R&B, jazz
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TENGGER : TENGGER
I’ve been fortunate to see TENGGER live before and it’s a great experience. Their albums come close to the sonic experience and the trio continued to create music on their terms. I lost track of keeping up with their releases but coming back to this self-titled album is a new introduction. It’s different from what I remember, but also makes me have to take a deeper listen to past releases.
Genre: “psychedelic New-Age drone magic”
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YUJIN KIM : dudndudndudn
I’m sure there’s a passionate jazz community in South Korea but I never really see a lot of promotion across channels I use. YUJIN KIM has a recognizable jazz presence but dudndudndudn is a great introduction and sample to her jazz, singer-songwriter, and R&B style.
Genre: jazz, R&B, singer-songwriter
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Long Time No Shit : 2151
When I first heard Long Time No Shit, I thought they were a punk band. But with 2151 and their Spotify bio, it seems like they’ve evolved over time to sit within alternative rock but experiment inside the genre. It’s a fun album that kind of reminds me of what we hate jh did to bring new energy to a genre.
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Quri : The Only Weapon
Quri explores genres on The Only Weapon. The core is alternative indie but there’s also some pop and folk that bleeds through. With this mix, Quri sounds unique and familiar simultaneously.
Genre: indie, alternative indie, pop
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zzzaam : shine
There’s nothing to hate and everything to love about zzzaam. But if you think you’re getting the same thing as zzzaam’s previous work, you’ll be surprised.
Genre: rock, shoegaze, alternative
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Idiots : Us, nowadays
Idiot’s first full length is a straightforward rock album. Every song gets to the point and energy always stays high. It’s a nice refresher. They sounds like they’re having fun, which is something that feels missing in a lot of current music.
Genre: punk, rock
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Replica Dream : Vandalism
Replica Dream is a smooth melodic rock band. And while the band isn’t presenting anything new, they have a high level of polish that keeps your interest in all three songs. I do think if they release something longer and keep this direction, there will be repetition.
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sansa : Dear Fear
It’s weird how dense Dear Fear sounds. sansa is tagged as an indie pop artist but I think it’s larger than that. The soundscape she creates on the EP is impressive. It’s a soundtrack looking for a partner.
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Written by Chris P for Korean Indie.