K-pop Indie Gem: Crying Nut

Having since starting their musical journey in 1993, Crying Nut is certainly no stranger to the Korean indie scene and is laden with a rich history behind them. Hailed as the pioneers of Korean punk rock, the band is fronted by Park Yun-sik (lead vocalist), and consists of members with Han Kyung-rok a.k.a Captain Rock (bass), twin brothers Lee Sang-myeon (guitar) and Lee Sang-hyuk (drums). They’re also accompanied by accordion player Kim In-soo, who joined the band much later in 1999.

Together they have been through many years of blood, sweat, tears – to the extent of going to the army and getting discharged together – and as result,their success of having been the first few indie artists to have sold over 100,000 copies of their album.

They released their first album back in 1993, titled “Crying Nut 1st”, and here’s one of my favourite track from the album, “Speed Up Losers”.

More than just showcasing the punk rock elements in their music, the band also experiments with other genres such as Ska, Reggae as well as Polka and Irish, of which was infused with the accordion which is pretty distinct in most of their music since 1999.

Here’s one track off their second album which mashes up the different genres – “Circus Magic”.

Whilst in the midst establishing themselves as veterans over the years in the Korean indie scene, they never veered away from their attitude towards music since their debut and continued to stay true to the essence of rock n’ roll, displaying it in their performances like true rockers everywhere they go.

Crying Nut also is no stranger to slower tracks, so here’s one of mid-tempo range off their 3rd album, titled “Oh, What a Shiny Night!”.

Along the way throughout their career, they’ve participated in various drama and movie O.S.T.s, and some of which have been proven quite the hit amongst the Korean music goers, one of which was part of the movie “Shim’s Family” starring Yoo Ah-in during his younger days — also one of my personal all-time favourite Crying Nut tracks.

Last but not least before I leave to let you find out more about the band, here’s a track of theirs in the combined album with Galaxy Express, “Moving Day”. Enjoy, and let us know what you think about them in the comment box below!

(Crying Nut Official Website, ManiaDB, kourier)