Downbeat alternative rock with a metal edge.

In a crowded field, Korea (no, they’re not from Asia. They’re Swedish) offer up something a bit different from the rest of the herd on this, their second album. Whether or not that’s a good thing depends on what your musical preferences are. It’s a good thing if you’re partial to post nineties rock, that favours quiet/loud arrangements and dark moody atmospherics that hint at goth with electronic and industrial undertones. Over the top of this are falsetto Thom Yorke style vocals that attach themselves to some decent rock hooks.

Tucked inside the gloomy vibe are some good melodies such as ‘From The Ashes..’ which is melancholically anthemic. There’s a cover of Radiohead’s ‘Street Spirit (Fade Out)’, which is like listening to a sad voice in your head, and while itdisplays their influences, the heavy guitars and metal leanings mark the band out as a different proposition to the Oxford band. ‘Enemies’ moves the band into Muse territory, while ‘Prozac Gen.’ offers a change of pace with its jerky electronic dance undercurrent and ‘Carpet-Slipper’ has a new romantic sound but with metal guitars. The record ends well with the weightless, out in space feel of ‘Exit’. In terms of sound and song writing this record shows a growing maturity from their debut.

The album’s sombre tone means it can be a bit of a dirge by the time you hit the mid-album point but if you like downbeat alternative rock with a metal edge, then this Swedish outfit is quite possibly for you.

Duncan Jamieson