Korean Rock Rising: Se So Neon
For my first post on UNHNGD, I wanted to talk about an artist I loved. I didn't know if it should be someone I've loved since a child, someone I discovered in my malleable teen years, or someone more recent. I decided to go with an artist I found last December- Se So Neon.
Many times I can fall into the same repetitive listening cycles and replay my favorite artists or songs over and over again. Other times, though, I do my best to branch out and discover new music. One way I do that is by going to the song radio of a song I love and putting that playlist on shuffle.
That's how I heard Se So Neon, a Korean indie rock band, for the first time. More specifically, their song "Go Back." I think I listened to that song for three days straight. When I tried to listen to anything else, I would just play "Go Back" again. I love the sort of upbeat undertone of it while still being a somber song. The drums are the star of the music for me which probably adds to my enjoyment of the song.
Se So Neon, which translates to "new kids," was formed in 2016 (the original bassist and drummer were replaced after they left to complete their military service in 2018). With vocals and guitar by Hwang Soyoon, Usu on the drums, and Park Hyunjin on bass, they've created an eclectic mix of synth, pop, psychedelic rock, blues, and so much more.
Their music is very experimental, and I think in other circumstances, that would mean I would only recommend it to certain people. However, I think their musical talent is just too good to keep hidden. Since they mix many different sounds, you'll find something for yourself even if their genre isn't your usual go-to. Their inability to stay boxed in means they can appeal to just about anyone. Give a listen to their most recent single, "joke!" then switch over to "Jayu," released the same year. If you go back farther to their first EP, you can tell how they've evolved but stayed true to those innovative sounds.
My favorite song by Se So Neon has to be "Winter." I love sad, solemn tracks, and "Winter" absolutely delivers on that front. Soyoon's voice flows through my ears each time I listen and gives my heart a little pat. Once we hit that chorus and everything really comes together, I sigh with satisfaction.
Soyoon's vocals are my favorite of the whole ensemble. It can go from haunting to somber to sweet. Se So Neon could do just instrumental songs, and it will still hit. Listen to "The Wave," which relies heavily on the instruments to create the story for you. The guitar, drums, and that phenomenal part that starts around the 2:30 mark and continues through the end are incredible. In my opinion, though, So-Yoon's sparse vocals bring everything together perfectly.
Se So Neon is a group to watch! Listen to Nonadaptation, their most recent EP. I listen to it in just about any setting, but I highly recommend listening while going somewhere. Whether it's on a subway ride down to the city, alone in the car, or on a bus out of town.
Listen to Se So Neon on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube