The Volunteers is a Korean rock band that released their self-titled album today. The group consists of Yerin Baek, Cloud, Kwak Min Hyuk and Kim Chiheon.
Yerin Baek as we all know is a soloist. Cloud is a producer and part of the band Bye Bye Badman together with Kwak Min Hyuk and Kim Chiheon is rather new, though he did participate in the show SuperBand.
The Volunteers
We start off with the track ‘Violet’. The lyrics were written by Yerin Baek and the song itself was composed and arranged by the full band. I’m loving the vengeful energy in this track. The guitar goes HARD and you can feel it in your guts.
Check out some of the lyrics:
“I’m not doing anything wrong
source
You hate to agree with my right mind and thoughts
Cause I’m a ruthless rock star baby
Just a matter of time before I make you nod to my songs”
‘PINKTOP’ is one of the three title tracks. This is such a sway in the crowd of a rock concert vibe. I like the bohemian influences in the sound. The drums bring it all together and keep it very fresh.
Next up is ‘Let me go’ which is the second title track. It came accompanied by a brand new music video. I thoroughly enjoyed how Yerin Baek plays with her vocals in this one. The long instrumental end is just *chef’s kiss*.
Next up
We follow that with the track ‘Time to fight back in my way’. This is a dichotomy of strength and softness. The lyrics are powerful but the instrumentals and vocals feel very held back, as if they’re gathering their strength to attack at the most appropriate time. It’s really well done. The mixing is straight up fire.
The song ‘Radio’ has been out for two years and has its own music video. I like the mellow vibe and soft storytelling of this one.
‘Crap’ comes next. I love the transition around the one minute mark, where the guitar goes a bit harder. It keeps the song dynamic and grabs your attention. It reminds me a bit of 80s garage rock.
We’re on track 7 with ‘Nicer’. This song is basically a discussion with yourself. It’s so awesome, I really recommend you to go read the full lyrics here. Here’s a little part. The super soft outro fits the theme so well.
“I am a quiet talker,
Sensitive lover
But when he has no guts
I could shoot with a gun
When I’m in hunger”
‘Medicine’ follows that with a really cool rock sound. If you want a rock self-love anthem, this is the one for you. This is such a vibe. The instrumentals go so hard. I would sell my left kidney to see this live.
The next two tracks ‘S.A.D’ and ‘Summer’ were released in 2018 together with ‘Crap’, ‘Nicer’ and ‘Violet’. It was originally released on their Soundcloud, but it seems to be taken down.
You can find the full album ‘The Volunteers’ on Spotify here. Honestly it’s a really cool listen and I definitely recommend it. If we don’t see this album get a bunch of nominations, then I’ll be sorely disappointed.
