THE SUN RISES IN THE EAST, BUT SETS FIRMLY IN THE WEST WITH SAY SUE ME

Source: http://seoulbeats.com/2015/10/k-pop-indie-gem-say-sue-me/
The Korean indie-rock foursome can be found on the small independent record label and publisher Damnably, closely associated with the late John Peel. Their most recent release, a Christmas themed EP titled Christmas, It’s not a Biggie, delves deep into a hand-clapping, toe tapping and all round jolly indie rock. At non-festive periods, leader singer Sumi Choi mostly tackles themes of indecision, grief and pain however, switching between English and her native tongue.

The band released their second full length LP, Where We Were Together in 2018, which was a productive year by the looks of it, with  a further two EPs and three singles being released by the band. Their sound, previously described as ‘surf-inspired’, definitely has an element of the California sunshine. It pops and moves with the rhythm of a train but never derails from the tracks of 90s lonesomeness and self pity. Waves of Dick Dale’s reverb and Duane Eddies' twangs can be heard but I believe their core influences lie with the likes of Lou Reed. They tend to follow a formulaic safe-sound representative of alternative 60s rock with the rhythm of 70s punk, à la Parquet Courts or Low Cut Connie, all wrapped up in that familiar modern mould of indie-rock.

On first listen, Say Sue Me settle firmly in current styles. Nonetheless the band is getting better with each release and with their influences firmly set in the West, success undoubtedly awaits when they perform at a handful of UK events in the early months of 2019.

Words by Nick Ikin

You can find them at: https://saysueme.bandcamp.com/

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