A Long Lasting Faction: We Are The Night
The world of indie bands in Korea is a fascinating one. While it may not seem much different on the surface, many of these bands have a long and storied history, and that can definitely be said about We Are The Night. As a group that formed in 2001 and that continues to release music to this day, We Are The Night has already made a name for themselves through the span of many years, with a reputation for writing and producing their own music, and even their own music videos.
Originally coming onto the music scene as Rocket Diary, the group began as a high school band in 2001, with music that mimicked the popular rock of the time in America—think New Found Glory or Jimmy Eat World.
After the members completed military training in 2009, they reconvened and rebranded from a punk genre base to a more electronic sound in order to fit the shift in the musical scene from their beginnings. Along with this came their name change to the present day We Are The Night. This musical rebranding came to light in their first release under their new moniker, “Tiramisu Cake” in 2013.
There’s not a lot of information out there about the members of the group, likely a statement that they would prefer their music and art to speak for them. As such, the group exists in a state that is the exact opposite of Korean popular culture, which emphasizes the personality of idols in groups. If you’re looking for an authentic indie band sound, look no further than We Are The Night.
Their latest album Vertigo was released as recently as this year, with featured title track “Bunker” accompanying the release on YouTube. Vocalist Ham Byungseon has a very distinct vocal color that is classically indie, and that is showcased quite brightly in “Bunker.” The title has rhythmical elements of R&B, a contrast to the pop-synth sound that they often employ, yet it is executed very well. The one-shot, basic video also leaves a lasting impression for its deep artistry, simple yet speaking volumes wordlessly.
Though the group doesn’t have the biggest fanbase in the world, they certainly have an extremely dedicated one. Just perusing their YouTube videos, you will find nothing but messages of support and a heavy amount of likes. It’s interesting to see an underground group find relative success for such a long span of time, especially as the antithesis of what popular music is meant to be in Korea. Much like the group’s title, their music is soothing and perfectly fitting for cold nights wrapped in a warm blanket by the fire.
You can find and support We Are The Night below: