Lhasa

Expat duo based out of Busan.  Though working simply with guitar, drums, and a laptop, these guys deftly manage to expand the dreamy guitar loops that begin most songs in to a wall of layered sound and percussion that bands twice their size would struggle to achieve.  Also one of a handful of bands who are helping to define the up and coming independent music scene in Korea.

More info:
Interview with Paste Magazine.
Purchasing information here.


Lhasa - Lhasa (2011)

1 + 0 = (((10)))

In case, like me, you can't get enough of these guys, here are their two most recent albums.  Kitsch is probably one of their best releases to date and in regards to Natureplex...

"Yes, Natureplex.  We released this album, and met the big big big power of nature.  It was sad, we are so small and weak in front of the nature.  But we can express the nature with heart."

I couldn't agree more.  I also have included a short clip I took at the February release show for the album.  Enjoy!

Kitsch (Maybe Mars, 2009)


Natureplex (Self-release, 2011)



*Kitsch may be purchased here or on iTunes.
**Natureplex may be purchased here.

(((10)))

10, now officially (((10))), is a Seoul-based experimental electronic duo.  Drawing equally from keytarist/sound manipulator Marqido's noise background (he's Japanese, what do you expect?)  and vocalist/keyboardist/quirky sound maker (bird whistles, deflating balloon loops, etc.) Itta's electronic/pop-based work, (((10))) frequently moves back and forth between piercing feedback, danceable electro-pop, and droned-out synth loops.  The highlight of it all is Itta's vocal work, which she comfortably adapts to the changes in the music - at times cute, at times powerful, at times trance-inducing.  Their integration of electronic beats and drone, combined with Itta's mesmerizing vocals, brings to mind groups like Excepter and more recent Growing.  While a bit of their more experimental tendencies have been sacrificed on the recorded output in favor of tighter, song-based structure, the albums are none-the-less enjoyable, unique, and alot of fun.  I really can't stress how much I dig these guys.  Here is an early self-release and their first official release.  Enjoy!

 UFO (2007)

Nomad (2008, YOGIGA Records)