Galaxy Express
To the Galaxy EP
EGG Music
Jon Twitch
After releasing an earlier low-tech EP, Galaxy Express decided to record some songs professionally this time. It was worth it, even though this seven- song album deserves to be a few songs longer. This CD is a fair representation of their songs, and I can recognise each track from their live show. The highlight of the album is track 4, which best evokes my memories of their shows, particularly singer Jonghyun¡¯s wailing vocals. I have to admit the Doctor Who intro at the start of the album, although conceptually fitting, wasn¡¯t well executed and sounds too awkward. The album ends with ¡°To the Galaxy,¡± one final good hard kick in the ass.

Samchung/Captain Bootbois
split album
GMC Records
Jon Twitch
This collaboration marks the slide of both Captain Bootbois and Samchung more into metal. Samchung has been pretty much a metal band for a while now, but Captain Bootbois has moved further away from their roots as a standard Asian oi band. Their name is becoming an anachronism, sort of like ACAB from Malaysia except Donghyun didn¡¯t grow a faggy hairdo. Although their first full-length is one of the best Korean punk recordings of all time, I¡¯m filled with praise for Bootbois on this one. First, all their songs but one are in Korean. The second track, ¡°Belief Like a Rock,¡± is my new favourite Bootbois track, inspired by the viking rock that Donghyun¡¯s been distroing. The track listing is a little disorienting as Bootbois and Samchung alternate, but each one has a distinct sound marked by Donghyun and Donghyuk¡¯s vocals. Both bands team up on the final song for one big operatic song.

Kingston Rudieska
S/t EP
P&C 2006 Rudie System
Jon Twitch
The thing I dislike about this album is there enough songs. Kingston Rudieska, the only band in the history of Korea that recognises the roots of ska, should more than just four songs recorded. Unfortunately lot of traditional ska, these recordings don¡¯t bring the to life like a live concert At times it sounds more modern jazz album than underground recording. The track is ¡°Purple Dog Square.¡± At the end of the album is version of ¡°Shooting Star¡± DJ Seafran, whose dub leanings fits jaggedly with bluebeat In this digital age, I¡¯d to hear Kingston Rudieska mess around with analogue technology.

Gukdo/Bad Idols
Judgement for Justice
Jon Twitch
Four songs by Gukdo, songs by Bad Idols. Two newer bands, but both fronted by experienced vocalists backed by strong musicians. Beginning with a mixup Korean newscasts recounting acts of juvenile delinquence, Gukdo kicks it off with Survive.¡± On tracks like End Run¡± you can hear a Jaeseok¡¯s old ¡°Donald vocals that characterised Brats. But this project more angry and less Their songs sound dangerous, like how old Menace or Cockney Rejects albums sounded, back when punk was dangerous. The transition to Bad begins with an anguished scream from DK. In his band, Fuckers Everywhere, was the hardest working member of Chaos Class. He burned himself out putting out only compilation album, they¡¯ve been helpless without him. I know he¡¯s going working hard to support for a long time.

Patients
Hanging Revolution EP
Skunk Label
Jon Twitch
One of the younger bands the Korean punk scene, I¡¯ve always had a bit of trouble following their songs when I see them live. It¡¯s good to hear this CD and get to know their songs better. As far as EPs go this one sounds fine. The songs are clear and you can follow along with the vocals. It¡¯s always great to hear some Korean-language lyrics by competent musicians. This band is still new and the songs are fresh, but I think in a few years we¡¯ll recognise all four of these songs as classics. What I would like to hear are some songs a different pace, and these guys will give Cock Rasher a run for their money someday.