Hong’s Cave

o. “All You Need is Love” by JaWuRim

They are as usual, KIM YunA (vocals, keyboards, programming), LEE SeonGyu (guitars, programming, vocals), KIM JinMan (bass, vocals) and GU TaeHun (drums, percussions, vocals).

This is their fifth album. Unlike some of the members’ solo projects, this group effort seems to try to be a lighter (or “popular”) collection.

Not that the music is bad, and I am sure their live acts must be fun, but I am not sure what the purpose of them staying together as far as their artistic ambitions are concerned.

Or maybe I have grown out of their styles and directions.

o. “Sound Renovates a Structure” by Asoto Union

It’s a bit old (released in 2003), but I was “recently” referred to them by “Russell”.

They are KimBanJang (drums), KIM MunHeui (bass), YUN GabYeol (guitars) and IM JiHun (keyboards).

This seems to be their first album. They are playing, I think, groove/funk, a bit retro. However, it seems it’s coming through the elements of hip-hop (e.g., looking at featured artists).

Not bad, I’d say. I wished it was more funk than hip-hop, though.

o. “Romantic English Woman” by Jeppet

Jeppet is YUN SeokJung.

This type of solo at-home studio work based on MIDI and computers seems to carry its own limitation. On one side, you think that the creator has such talent and tenacity. On the other hand, you think after all it does not amount to anything more than an “ear candy”.

I wish it was more of a pure electronica. I think his work would be better suited for that.

o. “Invisible Things” by loveholic

They are KANG Hyun Min (guitars), LEE Jae Hak (bass) and Jisun (vocals).

This is their second album.

As usual, their music isn’t bad. However, I am not sure what distinguishes them from the rest of the modern rock bands du jour.

Another thing is Mr. Kang who wrote most of the music may be trying a bit too much. Maybe he’s trying to alter something to make them sound distinct, but often it seems to break the natural flows of the music. I don’t know… I just felt that there were too many discontinuity.

o. “YeopJip AJumMa” by SuPeoTeukGongDae

They are Miro (vocals), Tazz (drums), RickyP (guitars) and June Lee (bass).

This is their first album, but I did recognize RickyP’s voice and music style. He was one (the creative part) of Street Poet (or GeoRiEui SiInDeul).

Their rock music is much more straight-forward and upbeat and usually carries lighter messages. I like it. However, I don’t necessary care for some of the “social commentary” stuff. It just does not seem to go along with their image, but at least they keep it light.

I just can’t help, but think they (more like Ricky, actually) is a DJ D.O.C evolved.

o. “So I am…” by Youn Sun Nah Quintet

They are Youn Sun Nah (vocals), David Neerman (vibraphone), Benjamin Moussay (piano), Joni Zelnik (double bass), and David Georgelet (drums).

All the music seems to be original (by the quintet) for this album.

I think I’ll keep an eye on her, not because I dig her style (her voice is “too clean”, and not her vibrato) but she’s a rarity (and I may come around some day, who knows :p).

o. “SoGyuMo Acacia Band” by SoGyuMo Acacia Band

They are KIM Min-Hong (programming, guitars, vocals) and SONG EunJie (vocals, chorus, eggshake). Yes, they are “small scale” (that’s what “so-gyu-mo” means).

Most of the songs are “dreamy” (or drearily) slow. I actually was expecting something (quite) different. Their “orchestra”-tion is actually quite simple. I was expecting the name to be sarcastic, but…

Anyway, everything about this album says “home-recording” (not necessarily a bad thing, though).

o. “A Kiss at the End of Rainbow” by Modern Juice

They are Minuki (programming, keyboards), Down (guitars, bass) and Zio (vocals).

Even though the name seems to suggest otherwise, I think they are just a pop band. Not bad. Nothing special. I think Ms. Zio’s voice is just too soft and plain. I think her voice is suited more for a solo work. It would not have been any stranger if this album was a solo album.

o. “Nouveau Deux” by Nouveau Deux

They are SUNG Kimoon (piano, organ, e. piano), PARK Guenhyuk (drums), SEO Youngdo (a. and e. bass), CHANG Keeho (e. bass), MURAYAMA Yoshimitsu (guitars) and SUZUKI Hisatsugu (tenor sax).

It is basically a jazz orchestration album for some of the well-known Korean pop songs from the 80s and 90s.

I understand this is an interesting exercise. But I am not sure if the English lyrics ever make much sense. Usually with translations, it’s hard to keep the rhythm of the words and the music the same, and this is no exception. I think if anything, they could have just done it without words.

Even some of the tracks without words, the orchestration is just / damn / plain. I think the musicians involved are talented. I wish they did their original works instead of this type of “what can sell” stuff.

o. “NunSseop Dal” by LEE Sora

Her sixth album (the budgets for the album jackets are continuing to go up!). Somehow I wonder if she’ll ever get over her broken-heart.

However, this time her sorrow (or is it an anger) seems to be more restrained (maybe she’s moved into the acceptance stage from the anger stage). I still love her voice (even though she ditched jazz). And the music is good.

Sometimes, I am curious what her music would sound like if she became happy again.

o. “Every Single Day” by Every Single Day

They are MUN SeongNam (vocals, bass), JEONG JaeWu (guitars, programming) and CHOE SeungWon (drums).

The intro was very misleading. I thought it was another electronica album. However, it is more of a straight-forward rock album.

Sonically very rich, but I am not sure if the lead vocal’s voice quality matches with the rest of the instrumental orchestration. I felt that something was a bit off because of it.

Other than that, not a bad album for a rock album. Still, I don’t know what’s up with the album jacket design and the intro.