Thirteen Steps
This is the Reality that We Confront
Dream On Records

Jon Twitch and Joseph Atskunk

Thirteen Steps are one of those bands you can’t miss. This is their second release, but I haven’t forgotten their split release with Samchung the previous year.

The difference between the two recordings is mostly in production quality. They decided to splurge and get a producer named—I kid you not—Alan Douches. It seems like they wasted their money, though.

The songs are great, but the mastering sounds like it was done by the guy at Chuck E Cheese’s. The new versions of 13 Steps songs CJHC and Brotherhood lost something in this new recording.

If hardcore were characterized by the colour red, an overproduced album would be pink. This album is more along the lines of fuchsia. They did the same thing with the RUX CD. The guitars are too fuzzy, the drums are all silicon-coated, the bass is nothing but a straight hum, and the cymbals sound like they are made of tin foil.

This album was made to have an impact in America. It comes with a sticker that proudly announces “VOICE OF VIOLENCE FROM THE FAR EAST. 15 BLOODSHEDDING ANTHEMS FOR MOSHING SOLDIERS. FOR FANS OF AGNOSTIC FRONT, SICK OF IT ALL, TERROR.” Thanks for telling us, genius.

I would’ve been happier if they’d kept the production in-country, but I suppose this way more people will see it. I just hope those people find the earlier split album with Samchung. Now that’s good listening.

various artists
New Kids on the Townhall
Townhall Records

Jon Twitch

This CD is the new voice of Korean hardcore. On this compilation you’ll find mostly hardcore punk, including plenty of youth crew, grindcore, and a little bit of premature ejacula-core (one song by Just One runs for only nine seconds). And for some reason Suck Stuff has a song on this, their now signature “Why do We have to Respect Him?” Missing is the tough-guy metal/hardcore of GMC, but this compilation will have you forget all them.

This CD presents Korea’s best new bands right now. From Jejudo we have Ten Minutes Later, the new project of 99Anger’s drummer. Striking Youth from Daegu has a great contribution. Also worth noting is Lowblow from Chungju. One Japanese track by Making Sense made it onto the album, as well as a song by New Jersey’s Nothing Left to Mourn. An interesting addition is a rap song by Jackni Cholson; they’re as weird as their name, and it’s good to hear something completely different. The connection between punk and hip-hop has been too long forgotten.

A few of the songs are mixed kind of oddly, especially on the vocals. I think it’s the same problem with the Thirteen Steps album. I’ve heard the unmixed version of the Suck Stuff song, and it’s far better than the one that ended up on this album. Are these bands being overproduced? Let the musicians do their thing.

The best track of the album is “Massacre Without Weapons” by grindcore band Shot Between the Eyes, featuring Skele, a very busy man in the punk scene. He’s also in Choke Slammer and Captain Bootboys. I look forward to hearing more from him in the future.

Belly Button
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Underground Government Records
Japan

Nevin Domer

I’ve become extremely impressed by the Japanese label Underground Government and their “trash-pop-punk” bands. Half the appeal of these bands is their fantastic live shows. That makes me biased to start because I can’t listen to this CD without picturing them in my head: two girls in ruby red platform shoes and mini-skirts flipping their hair while a kid in a nice dress shirt snaps his fingers to a doo-whop beat.

The vocals just drip with saccharine and remind you of all those high school slumber parties that you never got invited to. The guitars strum out a bouncy beat that gets your head bobbing. It’s kinda like if Valley Girls played punk, yet in a good way: energetic, sickly-sweet and trashy.

This CD only has four tracks, which is not nearly enough, but that’s all it takes to get me smiling. If you’re into trashy pop-punk this is a CD worth checking out and if you ever get the chance to catch their show it’s a party not to pass up. Just remember, “push your Belly Button for another fun!”

Tape Review

Nevin Domer

Drunk off my ass, sitting outside of a Japanese crust show, I decided to start a conversation with a group of girls. It was one of those linguistically challenged “ok, ok, I don’t know” chats that most of us know all too well. This one however ended with a tape being thrust into my hands! The band’s name, 0Q (zero-Q, made up of the four girls I had been talking with). The tape: a nondescript case containing a recording of a practice session. It wasn’t until I returned to Korea that I was even able to get a hold of a tape player to give this thing a listen, but when I did… wow!

During the conversation the drummer kept counting to five. At the time, I thought it was some sort of anger management technique until I realized that she was trying to explain their preference for non-conventional rhythms. It starts with pounding drums and a sassy scream. I have no idea what she’s saying but it’s fucking cool! From there it doesn’t let up and I found myself drawn in. The vocal style resembles Crass or Naked Aggression and the instruments Black Flag in their better times. This is experimental noise with a kick and we are much closer here to hardcore than to Sonic Youth. Amidst the feedback and crazy time signatures this band remains tight and their talent shines through. And that’s even after the one girl told me she had only been playing guitar for three months!

For being only a practice tape,the sound quality is really good. I’m looking forward to an official release. Crass-nspired noise-core may not be for everyone,but if this sounds like your sort of thing then 0Q is a name you should remember!

WORTH NOTING

Jon Twitch

Here’s a band worth noting from Chungju. It’s worth noting that they’re part of MF Crew, but this three-song demo was released independently. The contributions by MF Crew are still worth noting, however. They have plenty other MFers worth noting on the backup vocals, including the vocalists of 13 Steps and Nahu. The cover art is designed by Yeongsoon from Attacking Forces; it is worth noting that he recently started his two-year sentence in the Korean army. Overall, this album is worth noting.

Especially after I gave them a drunken English lesson about the difference between the words “noting” and “nothing.” Glad we got that all sorted out, then.

Striking Youth
Demo 2005
Omado and Townhall

Jon Twitch

I can’t believe I haven’t seen these guys play yet. They’ve come to Skunk Hell a few times, but I keep missing them.

This is one of those CDs where you can tell that they sound great live. If you think that sounds like a disguised criticism, you’re partly right. The songs sound great most of the time. Most songs have a great intro, and the instruments sound just right. Even the backing vocals are mixed in perfectly—not too obtrusive, and it sounds like a thousand angry Koreans shouting along with the band. At times the vocals sound a little distant, like Kim Taehun is on a phone. He doesn’t quite sound like he’s in the same room as everyone else. At times the vocals sound like a steel brush on a chalkboard. But I can tell they’d be great live.

Surprisingly, Striking Youth has been around for quite a while now. In 2000 they released a split album with fellow Daegu band Boys on the Docks. It’s low-fi as well, but there is a lot more for you to check out if you like these guys.

Something Fierce
Tiny Ventilation Holes
independent

Jon Twitch

These guys are doing something different. Maybe the fact that they released a nine-song CD and didn’t call it a demo is proof enough they know what they’re after.

Originally from Daejeon, they haven’t been as closely involved in the Seoul scene, but they’ve gotten close to the MF Crew in Chungju. Drew, the drummer, formerly played in Nahu.

You could put these guys in with any of the scream-as-loud-as-you can hardcore bands. They’re not exactly grindcore, but they’re harder than Hollow Jan. The vocalist isn’t afraid to show his talent, and most of the songs are vocal-driven, with the instruments backing him up.

I can’t understand or find the lyrics, but with a song named “Handless Man at the Claw Machine,” I really must find out.

Unfortunately, they’ve disbanded now, due to the band members’ travel habits, but I predict someday they’ll be back. In the meantime, expect the key members to start releasing all sorts of crazy shit from wherever they end up.

The Happening
Shit Happens
independent, Japan

Nevin Domer

The Happening is a female-fronted band from Japan. And while I don’t usually like to draw heavy comparisons to famous American bands I’m going to here. Jawbreaker was one of the first punk bands that I listened to and still one of my favorites. They hold a fond place in my heart, and the fact that the Happening has picked up on that sound made me an instant fan. A slow indie-inflected punk sound with a catchy lead guitar and flat vocal melodies.

Although I should be quick to add that the Happening is a talented band in their own right, if that isn’t enough then they have memorable and intelligent lyrics on political issues that are pointed without being heavy handed. The topics range from whale-fishing to the homogenization (Westernization) of global culture. “Shit Happens” was self-released and relies on DIY connections for distribution, but is well worth tracking down. This CD touched a personal note inside of me, where it represents both the dreams of my past and my hopes for the future.

Ten Minutes Later
All Your Pain is You
demo

Nevin Domer

Hailing from lovely Jeju Island and part of the Ever Rise Crew, 10 Minutes Later play powerful melodic hardcore. This is their first demo—a three song CDr and it starts off with a bite. Beware the opening to the first track—it can blow out your eardrums if you have your headphones up too loud! It’s the shortest and heaviest track, driving and urgent. For keeps up the speed but adds more harmony. It kicks into a driving breakdown and the kind of gang vocals that make you want to grab a beer and a friend. The song then fades out with one of those rising outro solos that leave you feeling semi-euphoric. “All Our Pain” starts slow and heavy then the bass doubles it. The song speeds up, breaks down, and the bass strolls back in with a great walking melody. Sing-a-longs, simple enhancing solos, tight bass and great vocals all combined through well formed song structures, there’s nothing I don’t like about this. 10 Minutes Later is a band I’ll be keeping my eyes on. Looking forward to more of that island hardcore!

Shorty Cat
s/t
independent

Jon Twitch

It’s not so often that a new band picks up so quickly here. Shorty Cat’s full of young punk girls who didn’t want to be defined by their boyfriends. So they made a band, and it rules. In a short time, they’ve become Korea’s top girl punk band—uncontested, if Nonstop Body never gets back together.

Recently, Shorty Cat recorded a mini-CD at a friend’s home. This CD shows the ease of making a real DIY album. Considering the nonexistent production costs, it sounds amazing, far better than some recent, more overproduced, releases by other punk bands. I hope more bands try what these girls did.

My only problem with the CD is the lack of effort they put into releasing it. So often Korean bands use the “It’s just a demo” excuse. Demo for what? What’s the deal with demos? Why not put a bit more into the liner notes, get a slightly nicer CD, and call it a freaking EP? Give it some lasting power. I certainly would’ve paid more than the measly 1000 won I got it for.

Vicious Nerds
Sgt. Kang’s Nerdy Hearts Punk Band
5,6,7,8 Records

Nevin Domer

First it’s the eyes, then the panicked spazzing, after that come the one-liners all underscored by tight, fast hardcore.

The Vicious Nerds are a half short-core band and half stand-up comedy troupe and, although it’s the live show that’s gained them a loyal following, this demo shows that their music can stand on its own. This seven track, 8-minute 47-second demo is their first release and hopefully a sign of things to come. If you take the Geeks and switch Kiseok with singer Yim Hyeong-gyu you end up with the Vicious Nerds, but that’s not to say you get the same sound. Don’t expect youth crew hardcore here but something more akin to early Circle Jerks.

Four out of the six songs are under one minute and the one-word “Peace?clocks in at 13 seconds, but that’s only by including the intro clip of soldiers marching. The lyrics are comical, from the absurdity of “I Hate Pickle?to the sarcastic attack of Seoul’s megalomaniac mayor in “Lee Myeong Bak.?Track seven is a demo track made up of clips from the other songs. It would seem rather repetitive except the songs are so short I never mind hearing a taste of them again; it does however inspire a rather weird sense of d??vu.

Vicious Nerds are a band to keep your eye on, just don’t blink.

For a closer look at Vicious Nerds?lyrics on the song “Lee Myeong Bak,?take a look over on page 19 in our “Say What??feature.

The Explode
Our Violent Social Story
Chaos Class

Jon Twitch

Chaos Class is less than a year old, and they’ve had their balls on the table for most of it. The release by Explode, Chaos?founding band, signifies they’re ready to be taken seriously along with older labels like BPJC and MF Crew.

The five-track EP has exactly what I wanted on it: trashy streetpunk with a whole lot of energy. Although their live performance seems a little derivative of the Unseen, it’s harder for me to notice on the album. They’ve put a lot of energy into this album and it’s paid off.

If you have stereo, the intro to “Where is Freedom??is impressive. All of the songs are well-crafted and will definitely become memorable soon.

If you’re at one of their shows and you see their CD for sale, buy a copy. Or, as they say on the back of the CD, “theEXPLODE threaten to you!?

Various Artists
Next Generation
Chaos Class

Jon Twitch

With one listen to this compilation, it should be pretty obvious that this is a blueprint. It’s the same thing the “We Are the Punx in Korea?compilation did for Skunk. Only this CD has no pop-punk and, thankfully, no ska-core.

It’s all a little lo-fi, in some places more than others, but that’s okay for what they’re going after.

The contribution by Suck Stuff, “One Unity,?lays down a message of cooperation that should be heeded. To prove the point, the song features guest singers from Rux, Cockrasher, Explode, 13 Steps, and the Geeks. Make sure you find the video online.

A few of the bands are seniors: aside from Suck Stuff, there is Cockrasher, A-zak, and Pulgasari. The album’s strong point is its collection of new and unexposed bands. From the Unseen-esque punk-core of Fuckers Everywhere and Explode to youth crew hardcore like Breaking Ground, and skinhead bands like Dirty Small Town and Boot Bois Anthem. Right here is the youth of the scene and these are their ideas.

Pay attention to Vicious Nerds, guest starring 13 Steps singer Dokyo13; those guys are moving up, although they’ll lose their singer to the army soon. Also worth noting is Lowblow, a hardcore band from Chungju City, Breaking Ground, formerly known as Guillotine, are another one to watch, although they have a little more growing to do.

Another point of interest is the inclusion of Chinese bands No Name and Evilheart, who share a lead singer. They met the Chaos guys online and built a quick frienship. I predict we’ll see them play here sometime in 2005.

I’m looking forward to seeing all of these bands play, and I hope they get around to having a big show in Skunk Hell soon. So far, Chaos Class has kept its distance from Skunk, which has slowed their growth considerably. Rather than shunning their elders, it would be nice to see everyone coming together to make music. Well, we’ll see what the future holds for Chaos Class. Hopefully more CDs.

Various Artists
Me & Pacifism
Underground Government Records

Nevin Domer

Tokyo-based Underground Government Records features popular trash- pop-punk bands such as No People and Belly Button. “Me & Pacifism?is their second compilation album covering 17 tracks from 17 different bands (their first was the 7inch “Me & Militarism?.

Listening to this album reminds me of early Lookout Records comps. If you think of bands like the Crumbs, the Smugglers, and the early Queers you’ll begin to get a good feel for the sound of this comp. Some of the recordings are pretty lo-fi which may be a strike against them but, in my opinion at least, it tends add something to a style that was meant to be heard that way.

Some of my favorite tracks include the bouncy female fronted “Theme of Crazy Beef?by Crazy Beef, the dark bluesy “Can’t Sleep Tonight?by the Regentz and the bongo and recorder groove of Soft Wrestler’s “Black Dog.?

One track that I just don’t understand however is Mu-kyoca’s “Radio?!?it isn’t a song but instead two minutes of some Japanese kids talking. A Japanese friend explained that they are imitating popular radio programs and that it’s supposed to be a joke. He seemed to think it was funny, but it doesn’t seem to translate. Anyway, smack in the middle of the comp it breaks the momentum of the CD and gets me reaching for the forward button. If it really needed to be included, they could have stuck it at the end somewhere, as a secret track.

That track aside it’s a great comp. If you’re interested in Japanese punk and/or the lo-fi trash-pop-punk sound, this is a CD and label to check out. And for those who still have ears to listen, it’s just plain fun.

Rux
Another Conception
Skunk Label

Jon Twitch

Rux has always been the backbone of Skunk Label, mostly because lead singer Won Jonghee also runs Skunk Label. It’s surprising, then, he has time to release his own CD.

This CD marks Rux’s third release. following shortly on their 2004 album “Where Are We Going?and the two CDs closely follow the typical pattern for most punk bands: the first one contains rough recordings of all their “classics,?and the second has new and unfamiliar songs. A major difference between the albums is in quality of the recording and the energy of the songs. I always thought, in the first album, the songs were carried along solely by Won’s voice, but in this one the rest of the band is right up front with him. Listen to the guitars on “The Skunx?and you’ll see what I mean.

Another improvement is the leaner track listing on this one. I get the feeling they used up all their materials on their last CD, which ran for 25 songs. Not that I don’t appreciate the quantity, but they could’ve just as easily saved it all up and released it over three albums instead of one. That also kind of explains why all the songs on this one are new and still a little unfamiliar.

It would’ve been nice to have “Another Conception?quality recordings of “Where Are We Going?songs, but they probably won’t record those songs again. At the very least, they threw four live tracks on at the very end, recorded at the Ssamzie Music Festival last year and featuring a huge bagpipe solo courtesy of Japanese band Royal Shamrock.

Once again, they’ve included the lyrics, so you can learn the words for the singalongs, and all CDs come with a free pass into Skunk Hell so you can try it out.

And wait until you see the sticker they put on the cover. I mean, putting a sticker right on the CD case? It’s new and exciting, but probably when those little tabs break off I’m going to go completely fucking batshit insane and throw feces.

CD Spotlight
Hollow Jan
hyacinthus orientalis of purple
independent

Joseph Atskunk

How do I begin? The first time I saw Hollow Jan(uary) they tried to make me cry. The nerve of the bastards. Honestly, I have never really been moved like that by a band in a long time. After all, it’s quite a feat to have a whole club of snotty little punk kids, half-drunk on soju, stop in their tracks and stare dumbfounded like some caricature in a rainy day meets my dead lover in the forests of enchanment spoof. There could have been a fire and all would have been content with burning as long as the band kept playing; this is how alluring the melancholy of their music is.

In hyacinthus orietnalis of purple, Hollow Jan’s “first?groomed release as a band, the listener gets close to the thick disconsolation that is the theme of the mini-cd, partly due to the dejection of Hwan Taek’s shrill calls to Dolores or the painful harmonics and churning tempos that drive into bridges of melodic desolation. This is the soundtrack to your warm, euphoric audial suicide. The single’s title--the name of a delicate flower indigenous to Korea—also relates to a rather somber tale of two lovers. I’m not sure if you are familiar of the tale of the god Apollo and the beautiful young Hyacinthus(remember this is Greek Mythology and Hyacinthus is a boy), but it ends in the death of the enchanting youth and a flower--the hyacinthus--being born from his blood. The title track seems rather befitting as the mournful ode to tragic loss of youth and beauty.

Though they have a very distinct sound all their own, to my ears anyway, they all became emphatic when I compared them to their apparent musical idols the Deftones. If the Deftones were responsible--musically that is--for creating this quintet of artistry and anguish, remind me to buy them a round. The world would be that much more of an ugly place without these guys around.