Band of the Week: South Club

Welcome to The Kraze’s newest column “Band of the Week,” where we highlight the coolest K-Rock bands for you to discover. This week we focus on South Club, an indie band making waves throughout the Korean rock genre. Created in 2017 by WINNER’s former member Nam Taehyun, South Club became busking heroes soon after their debut of “Hug Me.” By posting online, Taehyun managed to bring together the original five members. However, now a four member band, including Taehyun’s younger brother bassist Nam Donghyun, the band has released a new single titled “Grown Up.”

With a sound similar to an over-chilled Nirvana, the band’s smooth grunge evokes a sense of classic rebellion with a fresh sense of carefree ease. “Grown Up” has a bewildered child-like feel and yet carries a melancholy mood South Club fans are used to. It talks about the ideals and realities of becoming an adult and how all of that can affect a relationship with someone special. The song features a bluesy guitar and a soft drum beat to aid Taehyun’s rich, deep voice. This song is perfect for a lazy summer day driving around looking for something to do.

South Club’s unique sound can only be thanks to Nam Taehyun’s composing skills as well as the band’s creativity when piecing their visions together. After their first mini-album 90, the band had some shifts in their lineup. Both Choi Yunhee, keyboardist, and Kim Eulmyeong, original bassist, left the band due to their own personal issues. It was then that Taehyun called upon his brother to take over as bassist.

Earlier this year, the group toured Europe visiting cities such as London, Paris, and Madrid. Later they visited Japan for a few shows, leading to their newest album 20 which was released at the end of May this year with “Grown Up” being one of their featured songs. “Outcast,” which was released earlier this year, is the other single from 20. Overall the album has a sock hop meets rock n’ roll flare along with a mid-1990s’ feel.

South Club, unlike other indie bands of today, made way for their own kind of groove in only a short amount of time. Only a year into their career, they have created two mini-albums and seem to be in the process of a third. If you haven’t already, make sure to check out this awesome band.