[NEW RELEASES] The Black Skirts

The Black Skirts is probably the closest thing Korea has to an echo of what’s happening in the New York underground scene in recent years, with bands like MGMT and The Virgins. On the band’s first album, “201,” The Black Skirts diverge from the typical Korean indie scene sound with a refreshing, and more importantly, current take on rock music.

It’s a welcome change for listeners as many Korean indie rock bands have become extremely twee and retro, with sappy, atmospheric guitars and trembling Isobel Campbell-like vocals a decade or two too late for them to be remotely exciting.

With a bit of an old-school edge mixed in with modernized synth-pop leanings and a sturdy indie rock foundation, The Black Skirts, Cho Hyu-il’s one-man operation, has been one of the most exciting bands to watch here in a long time.

Take the first track, “Like Me,” which faintly resembles early Weezer songs but somehow still sounds 2010 thanks to Cho’s clever arrangement, which add a synth twist to a meaty melody line and quirky lyrics.

The album, now being rereleased under Sony Music Korea, includes three bonus tracks, in addition to the original 2008 lineup released by indie label Ruby Salon.

The Black Skirts “201”

Label: Doggy Rich

Genre: Indie rock

By Cho Jae-eun

korea joongAng daily

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[NEW RELEASES] The Black Skirts

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