Band of the Week 7 - A-Fuzz
We're all about showcasing the incredible variety that is Korean indie, and this week is no exception! Today we bring you the incredibly talented, extremely unique, jazz-fusion, funk-infused, vocals-not-required quartet, A-FUZZ! As with all of our early weeks' bands, A-Fuzz is based in Seoul, Korea and has amassed an impressive following in their, relatively speaking, young careers.
There's a whole lot to say about this band, but we'll start it off with the video below (audio: Highway Star) and the exciting fact that they have a brand new EP titled The Four Seasons just released this month for your listening pleasure!
Get ready for lots of Fuzziness with A-Fuzz to follow!
Album Story
The beauty of independent music is that it's pure, honest, free expression, free of outsiders telling us what's good and what isn't. To keep it that way, we've GOT to support these artists! So, every week, we give you a special highlight of our BOTW albums so you can choose at least one, but ideally many, new records to buy 😬 Show your love and support of indie music today!
We'll give you our usual run-down, but for this band, we highly encourage you to just head over to iTunes (no iPhone or Mac required) and buy their brand new EP - The Four Seasons! Now! Here!
Here's our discography with mini-reviews (without the word “jazz,” since you already know that part) for A-Fuzz, along with links to get even more into each album:
Fading Lights (2015) - EP
From funky guitar, to smooth vibes, to creative grooves, to happy keys, their impressive first EP is 20 minutes of pure aural satisfaction!
Read about it: As always, send us a review and if we like it, you win a rad prize!
Listen to it: Preview it on iTunes - this one you gotta buy!
Moonshine (2016) - EP
Generally a bit softer and smoother, with Jinny's guitar lines punching throughout, we urge you to check out the urgent-flowing track 2, Rescue Me! 🤘 (Also, check out some rare vocals on the title track)
Listen to it: Buy it! 😉
Leaving the City (2016) - Single
Fantastically free funk!
Read about it: As always, send us a review and if we like it, you win a rad prize! Listen to it
Mr. Watermelon (2016) - Single
Kinky keys, killer vocals and kicking guitar 🎸
Read about it: As always, send us a review and if we like it, you win a rad prize!
Joa (2016) - Single
Pop-flavored Fuzz with special vocals on top!
Read about it: As always, send us a review and if we like it, you win a rad prize! Listen to it
Underwater (2016) - LP
A-Fuzz's grooviness reaches the next level on this record with broader range showcasing each instrument and special guest, Sam Choi, rapping on track 2 - Breath 😊 A wonderful full-length entry from this talented quartet! We seriously dig the creativity and the keys on track 6, Scheherazade 💕
Read about it: As always, send us a review and if we like it, you win a rad prize!
The Four Seasons (2017 - December) - EP
The band has hit the mark on this new EP. Quick riffs, beautiful melodies, flashy drums and tight bass lines, everything is a blast to listen to! We adore the non-traditional-but-still-Christmasy track 4, I'll Make a Christmas Tree 🎄 Do yourself a solid and hit up iTunes for your copy of this gem! 🤘
Read about it: As always, send us a review and if we like it, you win a rad prize!
Listen to it: It's brand-new. Buy it!
Live Story
There is something different about A-Fuzz when you see them live. Something about how they each connect with their instrument, with the music, with the audience. There is a raw talent and energy expressed by this fusion jazz quartet on stage that is not to be missed!
To that end, if you happen to be in Korea on December 30th, head to BoogieWoogie in Itaewon to check out their special end-of-the-year set!
Here's what to expect at an A-Fuzz show:
-Jinny's guitar lines will make you forget no one is actually singing 💗
-Seulki's keys will set your feet dancing and your heart swooning 😊
-Sunmi's drums and Hyemin's bass will twist and turn you around, in that classic jazz style!
Check out this fabulous full set from the truly amazing SoFar Sounds (Seoul) to get you jonesing for their next gig near you! And, please message us about SoFar Sounds, cuz you seriously need to know about this...it's probably happening right next door to you sometime this week!
We will not rest! More from A-Fuzz coming and more, more, more BOTW - EVERY week - from RoK Gi Yeon!
Song Story
We hope you've enjoyed your jazz (in)fusion this week as much as we have! Now we wrap up another BOTW with the most important part, the songs!
Here's our pick of 5 not-to-miss A-Fuzz tracks, 5 nouns why, as well as a link to check it out:
"I'll Make a Christmas Tree" Why? Christmas! 🎄
'Drown" Why? Aggression 🤘
"Scene #1" Why? Melody 💜
"Highway Star" Why? Solos! 😁
"Rescue Me" Why? Darkness 🤟
No lyric bonuses this week since there are, basically, no lyrics 😝 So instead, a little contest! Listen to these 5 songs, write your own review of the songs and the band as well as a review of why you love (or just like a lot) RoK Gi Yeon and email it to us. And if we dig it, we'll add it to our upcoming blog and you'll win an awesome prize from the RGY well!
