Korea Gig Guide

First Guest Post

Hey, it is my first guest posting. Courtesy of Shawn, who talks about the Club Ta concert back on April 5. So the review is a little old, but it was a really good show and it is a good review, so here it is. Pics are courtesy of Matt, who also attended.

Sound Party featuring Orgeltanz and Oriental Lucy Apr. 5th
Club Ta (Hongdae)

Presented by Speakeasy, tonight’s multi-act bill at Club Ta was dedicated to the art zine’s pal, HongSun Yoon, who sadly passed away earlier this year. Honoring her memory, an awesome crowd and diverse selection of wonderful sounds from Seoul’s indie scene combined to create a fantastic, positive vibe in the mid-sized Hongdae venue.

Orgeltanz kicked off the night’s festivities with a tight 30-minute performance of their eclectic, world music-inspired folk. Opening with “Champagne,” the group’s mix of accordion, violin, and various percussive instruments such as darbuka, djembe, cabasa, and a way-too-cool rainstick with rock club staples guitar and bass created a unique, refreshing style not oft-heard in the Korean underground. Canadian belly dancer Eshe emerged during “Orgeltanz,” her playful, yet sensuous shimmying adding even more of an ethnic edge to the performance. With band and dancer locked into a tight groove, “Marca Ui Mangto” proved to be an effective closer as it definitely left everyone wanting more.

Fun sets from Manggongedul, Kingston Rudieska, and Hongia Band had the lively Ta audience well primed for Oriental Lucy.

Lead by stylish vocalist SooHee Yeon, the quartet’s infectious soulful indie rock soon had many attendees dancing along. Clutching her vintage microphone tightly, all eyes were glued to Yeon as she swayed and bounced while belting out top-notch tunes such as “Butterfly Kiss” from the act’s new self-titled EP. Feeling energized after a cover of Weezer’s “Island In The Sun,” Oriental Lucy’s guitarist climbed atop of the bass drum during their finale. Pleas of “encore” brought the band out for one more number, and left little doubt as to why they are considered among the city’s best.

Thanks again Shawn and Matt.