The Turning Gate

The Korean soundWave XI

Alex, Adult Child, Belle Epoque, Nam Sang Ah, Yozoh & Eric

In predicting the imminent close of The Korean soundWave as a series in Episode X, I've seemingly jumped the gun. A bevy of new releases has recently hit the shelves, and there's more writing to be done. Keeping this one kind of short, though.

Alex Vs. Horan; Horan wins

Long have Alex and Horan waged war to determine who is the greatest of Clazziquai's singers. Concerts have ever been bloody affairs in which the forces of Alex have launched themselves into the fray against Horan's devout followers. The entire nation has become embroiled in this heated conflict since Clazziquai first launched itself into the Korean consciousness. And yet, never before have either of these adversaries risen above the other in any indisputable way.

Never, that is, until now.

Horan made the first strike with Ibadi's Story of Us, previously reviewed. Story of Us is a fantastic recording on which Horan is attributed for songwriting, arrangement and performance. She shines all over that record.

Alex's retaliation, My Vintage Romance, falters by comparison. Alex is occasionally credited for contributing lyrics, with songs being written and arranged by others, including DJ Clazziquai, members of Loveholic and My Aunt Mary. While Horan was heavily involved in all aspects of her album, Alex more or less had his record handed to him and was told where to sing.

Musically, the album is generic K-Pop balladry through and through. There's nothing here to separate it from any other entry into the genre, and that makes it extremely disappointing. It's one more generic mass of radio fodder, this time branded with Alex in place of some other equally generic singer. The record even includes a "photo wall" collection of Alex portraits for teenage girls to adorn their wall with.

While Ibadi clearly targeted a mature, adult audience, Alex goes the other direction; My Vintage Romance is a record for fourteen-year-old girls.

In the war for Clazziquatic supremacy, Horan is the evident victor.

No downloads. I'm not wasting the server space. Avoid this record at all cost.

Adult Child 어른아이

I'm long overdue in featuring Adult Child, but it's mostly because I have absolutely no information on this band whatsoever. They're still rather nice to listen to, though, so here you so. Something like The Sundays, Bluedawn or Donawhale in their softer moments. The band released their album B TL B TL in 2006 in a large format case. I recently spotted a standard-size case version of the album at Evan Records in the COEX Mall, so it seems to have received at least two pressings. The band was also featured on Pastel Music's 12 Songs About You compilation, which suggests they're still active, though I've otherwise heard no news of new recordings or performances.

Right-click to download B TL B TL and Star from B TL B TL, and 손 (Hand) from 12 Songs About You.

Get B TL BTL from YesAsia.com.

Belle Epoque

The duo Belle Epoque is the side-project of Misty Blue bassist Choi Kyung Hoon. Until recently, Belle Epoque had released only two songs since 2006, May and December, on compilations by Pastel Music. At long last, however, Belle Epoque have released their debut full-length album, 일요일들 (Sundays, according to my translation software). May and December both were both well received, and I expect the new album will be as well.

Like most of what Pastel has been releasing these days, the album is mellow and melodic, a very pleasant listening experience, but not very challenging. The only complaint I might level against 일요일들 is that it's played too safe. It's light and airy, and won't push your boundaries. But if light pop-rock is your thing, you'd do well to give Belle Epoque your attention.

Right-click to download 5월의 후유증 and December [Album Version]. Buy the album on YesAsia.com.

 

Nam Sang Ah

Nam Sang Ah, of 3rd Line Butterfly, has recently resurfaced with three new recordings on the Like Father, Like Son (아버지와 마리와 나) O.S.T. (source). The first two songs are pretty and quiet, comprised of acoustic guitar, piano and Nam Sang Ah's vocal. Quite a difference from 3rd Line's distortion-laden compositions, but no less appealing. The third track is something like garage rockability. All told, well worth checking out.

As if that weren't enough good news, though, 3rd Line Butterfly is slated to perform at Live Club SSAM this Saturday night; I'm still working on securing a ticket, but very much hoping to attend. And, if I'm very lucky, I'll get good photos.

Right-click to download 양떼구름, and/or nab the album from YesAsia.com.

Yozoh & Eric

Yozoh and Shinhwa rapper Eric have teamed up for a digital single called Nostalgia, which appears to be part of a campaign for new clothing brand Brown Classic. As luck would have it, the track is heavy on Yozoh and lighter on Eric.

Despite being a digital single, CDs seem to be available in limited quantities. I haven't managed to turn any up in record stores, but did get hold of an autographed copy last weekend at a Yozoh concert. The disc contains two tracks, Nostalgia and an alternate version titled Nostalgia MR.

Right-click to download Nostalgia.

Coda

That's basically it for now, though I'll soon be back with more new releases, among them Taru and a new drama O.S.T. by Pastel Music. In the meantime, you might want to keep an eye on Indieful Rock, a newish site dedicated to Korean indie news, and Korea Gig Guide, which lists upcoming concerts in Seoul.

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