Indiefest 02 (K-Rock~Loveholic)

I’m back with the second instalment of my Asian indie segment. This time, the music has travelled a little bit west to the land of Korea. Hope you guys like today’s band.

Loveholic

“Loveholic is a South Korean alternative pop/rock band. Initially comprising three members, (Jisun, Hyunmin & Jaehak), they entered the music scene in 2002 with their first album, Florist. Unfortunately, in 2007, Jisun left the group citing personal differences. “

Ah, Loveholic. One of the earliest Asian indie bands that I stumbled across way back in 2007. Upon hearing their titular song, I immediately fell in love with Jisun’s sweet, breathy vocals. Although I’ve heard songs from about three or four of their albums, in my opinion, their first album, Florist, is easily their strongest. This is why most of the songs I’m picking will be from the aforementioned album.

Trivia: The song Shinkiru was used as the ED for the anime, Black Blood Brothers in 2006.

Loveholic (From the album “Florist”)

http://www.filefreak.com/files/815117_o951o/Track%2002.mp3]Track 02.mp3

As mentioned above, this was the first song I listened to. The use of light distortion on the guitars along with a quick rhythm and catchy vocals give this a somewhat 90s feel that has shades of Dinosaur Jr. or The Pillows.  If you’re looking for something to tap your foot to that isn’t inundated with autotune or bass, you might want to try this out.

A Life of a Kid in Liverpool (From the Album “Florist”)

http://www.filefreak.com/files/815116_1zerq/Track%2010.mp3]Track 10.mp3

Creative name innit? What I loved about this song was how different from the rest in the album. Although it’s still equally light, it has a distinctly folkish/Western feel that kinda fits the song’s title. Plus, a large part of it is in English(rish?). It’s very short though, not quite reaching three minutes.

Wistful Movie (From The Album “Florist”)

http://www.filefreak.com/files/815115_s8dny/Track%2006.mp3]Track 06.mp3

A large drop in tempo here. Loveholic’s songs are usually light and catchy or slower and pensive. This one falls in the latter category. Jisun’s vocals take on a darker tone and so does the background music. Of all their songs in this album, I’d say this has the most typically Korean feel to it.

Wind, Stop Blowing (From the Album “Re:wind”)

http://www.filefreak.com/files/815118_z335n/Loveholic%20-%2002%20-%20%E9%A2%A8%E3%82%88%E6%AD%A2%E3%82%81%E3%81%A6%E3%81%8F%E3%82%8C.mp3]Loveholic – 02 – 風よ止めてくれ.mp3

What can I say? The same clean, simple riffs and catchy vocals that permeate their other songs.

That wraps up this week’s Asian Indie post. Although they don’t stray very far away from this mould of songs, Loveholic is definitely a band I can listen to when I’m feeling down or a little melancholy. It’s a shame Jisun left but here’s to both the remaining two members and her achieving success in their separate endeavours. Once again, if you have any input or opinions, hit the comments! By the way, if you’ve noticed, a bit of a trend has developed. I listen to a LOT of indiepop!  I’ll be sure to churn out some harder material in my next post. ; )

/ 8 Commentsleave a comment /

• tomphile says:

  July 11, 2011

  I have an aversion for K-rock as they're not that good most of the time…is this any different?
  My recent post Baka! Your Test is Sacred – [Baka to Test Ep. 1, Sacred Seven Ep. 2]

  Reply
  • fuu says:

    July 11, 2011

    Hmm, I'm not sure if I can answer that question because I disagree with that generalisation. What bands have you listened to that disappointed you?

    Reply
• Gene says:

  July 11, 2011

  I feel so mellow now. Perfect music to get high on.
  My recent post Kaiji: Hakairoku Hen ep. 13

  Reply
  • fuu says:

    July 11, 2011

    Never struck me as something I'd smoke to lololol. Might try it one of these days though. :p

    Reply
• baka_girl says:

  July 11, 2011

  I really like Shinkirou, it was perfect song for Black Blood Brother~
  Haven't listen to their other songs though, might check it out soon ^^
  My recent post Weekly Report: Manga from 03 Jul – 09 Jul 2011

  Reply
  • fuu says:

    July 11, 2011

    I look forward to your opinion when you do check the other songs out. :)

    Reply
• vucubcaquix says:

  July 11, 2011

  Oh man, maybe you'd be the perfect person to ask. I'm looking for a song called Keep the Shining by an indie k-group called Four Finger. They're the first song that shows up here starting at 0:35 seonds: [youtube vN83DfmH9Tw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vN83DfmH9Tw youtube]

  I have NO IDEA where to find it, or even how to buy it. Any thoughts?
  My recent post Colloquium: Mawaru Penguindrum Episode 1

  Reply
  • fuu says:

    July 11, 2011

    Man, that's one tough endeavour. I've looked everywhere and found zilche. I did come across someone saying she had the mp3 to the song though which I sent a personal message. I'll get back to ya on this! By the way, that's one sweet animation. Fantastic stuff.

    Reply