CD Reviews, March 2003

o. "GgumEui PapSong" by EonNiNe IBalGwan

This is their long awaited third album. Their dreamy folk/pop style hasn't changed, and it seems Lee, SeokWon (vocal, guitars) was able to maintain his musical vision. Lee, NeungRyong (lead guitar), Jeong, MuJin (bass, programming), and Jeon, DaeJeong (drums) complete this version. Also, Daytripper is featured.

o. "Another One" by Gazaebal

Gazaebal is one of few electronic musicians ("techno") in Korea that seem to be doing fairly well. I think his bigger break was from his project with Lee BakSa, a very well-known "Tour Bus Disco" singer. I think his work is pretty good, but I am not familiar with the genre.

o. "GoMulRaDiO" by Crying Nut

This is their fourth album. For some reasons, I've always preferred No Brain, who had a similar style (punk). I didn't care much for their previous albums, but this one is pretty "attractive" and fun. They are Park, YunShik (vocal), Lee, SangIn (guitars, vocal), Han, KyeongRok (bass, vocal), Lee, SangHyeok (drums, vocal), and Kim, InSu (accordion, organ).

o. "Espresso" by Deli Spice

This is their 5th album. I thought their 4th was a bit weak and not too interesting, but this one is a very nice pop/rock album. I think they tried to be a bit "rougher" on the sonic sense, and I think it's made it better. They are Kim, MinGyu (a.k.a. Sweetpea) (guitars, vocal, keyboards), Yun, Junho (bass, vocal, keyboards), and Choi Jaehyuk (drums, percussion, vocal, keyboards).

o. "Alchemist" by Riaa

This was a surprise. Riaa (yes, that's her name, all right, which happens to be the same as that certain notorious organization) has been in hiding for such a long time that I almost thought her career was over. She had some contract dispute if I remember correctly. That's probably why she hasn't released anything for several years till this 5th album. I didn't think the album wasn't too bad, but somehow it didn't ring too much with me this time (actually, only her first couple of albums did it for me), as if her style hasn't developed during the break.

o. "Live is Life" by YunDoHyeon Band

This is from their live concert. One is an audio CD and another is a video CD (which I haven't seen yet). I think they carry such an energy on stage, just like BomYeoReumGaEulGyeoWul did. I normally don't care much for their studio recording albums, but I thought this one was good. The Yun Band are Yun, DoHyeon (vocal, e. guitars, harmonica), Park, TaeHeui (bass, melodion), Kim, JinWon (drums), and Heo, Jun (e. guitars, a. guitars).

o. "ByeongARi GamByeolSa GimSsiEui JobSsal RoMaenSeu" by Hwang Sin Hae Band

Isn't it amazing that they are still making more albums? :) It seems for this album, Gim, Hyung Tae went solo, more or less. So, it seems this album has lost the "band" feel, and has taken a more of EoEoBu Band-like feel (not surprising since Jang, Young Gyu has participated). I don't know if I like it though.

o. "Transfixion" by Transfixion

I should have known, it being from Rock Records. It seems their collection of artists always emphasize more on the image than the music. I mean, they do have some talent, but it seems they always leave quite a bit to be desired. Anyway, they are HaeRang (vocal), Jeon, HoJin (e. guitars, a. guitars, programming, chorus), Son, DongWuk (bass, e. guitars, a. guitars, programming, chorus), and Oh, CheonGi (drums).

o. "Have you ever had heart broken?" by Lyn

I don't know... I thought the cover design was cool. However, the music was quite a bit far from the image that I got from the cover. It's a bit of R&B-ish... Not my cup of tea at the moment. A surprising thing was that the session was pretty cool. I guess she participated in a lot of other people session or something...

o. "the beginning" by So, ChanHwi

Why... why do I keep buying hers? I don't know. She can sing, but her voice is not really my kind, but I still "hope" that she can become a real "rocker", but alas... she just won't (or her management won't let her). Oh, someday I will learn.