Throwback Thursday: Calming Indie

For anyone who might need it right now, this week’s Throwback Thursday features some of The Kraze’s calming K-Indie favorites.

“Call Me Now” - O.WHEN

Released as a digital single in 2016, O.WHEN’s “Call Me Now” has an easygoing vibe to it. O.WHEN’s relaxing voice croons perfectly against a dreamy electric guitar and soft piano. The song swells towards the end with sweeping strings, but only just enough to get your emotions going. 

“New Youth” - Se So Neon

Se So Neon is a relatively new band that’s been sweeping the indie scene in South Korea. Their track “New Youth” from 2017’s Summer Plumage showcases their signature sound—fitting since their Korean name translates to mean the same. A mix of laidback city pop with hints of psychedelic rock, the hazy vibes of “New Youth” will put you at ease.

“White Night” - NELL

NELL is a well-known band, though their extensive discography might leave much for the new listener to discover, for example their 2012 single “White Night.” The song errs on the pop-side of rock, pulling very much from the band’s Brit-rock influences, with Kim Jongwan’s vocals and the easy guitar riff carrying the listener off into another world.

“It’s Raining” - Stella Jang feat. Verbal Jint

In 2015, Stella Jang teamed up with Verbal Jint to release her single “It’s Raining.” The coffeehouse-indie song served as her second single and features a mix of Korean and English lyrics. Verbal Jint’s melodic rapping adds an extra edge to the mostly acoustic track, acting as a wonderful complement to Stella’s breathy soprano.

“Ring Ring” - Sik-K feat. Gaeko

“Ring Ring” is a track released by Sik-K in 2016 and featuring Dynamic Duo’s Gaeko. Originally released as a digital single but later released as part of Sik-K’s 2017 album H.A.L.F, the song has a late-night R&B feel to it. An easy electric guitar riff weaves its way throughout the track, with both Sik-K and Gaeko’s mellow verses carrying the song at a slow but steady pace.