Rumkicks stole headlines in 2018 as the band made their debut on the Korean punk scene. Creating an alternative for Korean music fans to the mainstream genre of K-pop and the soft rock style of band music, they provided a darker twist to the music typically expected from those within the punk scene, making the genre their own.

Rumkicks would make their name known in Korea, performing as many indie bands do in the Seoul music club scene, at the likes of legendary venues such as Club FF in Hongdae and Club Sharp.

They would make their name known internationally through the form of their first UK tour, which saw them perform in various cities such as Brighton, Birmingham, London and most famously at the Rebellion festival in Blackpool; the UK’s biggest Punk rock festival. Which sees many of the world’s biggest and best punk bands perform on various stages across one long weekend.

Late July saw the band’s return to the UK after a long European tour alongside Spanish Action rock band Deaf Devils. Which saw them perform in Spain, Germany, Poland and France. The tour also would see them be joined by innovators of the punk scene 18Fevers, whose short time on the scene has seen them make their name known in smaller punk circles. Establishing their sound of ‘Seoul death punk disco.’ The band saw newfound success this year, after the arrival of a new member and legend of the scene Yu-hee, a member of the alternative rock band Veins. The tour was set to be 18Fevers first performances outside of Korea.

Heading to Birmingham halfway through the tour, the two were set to be a part of an epic punk-filled night. They would be joined by a variety of the Midlands Punk scene talent, from established long-time members from the scene Authority Cracks and new emerging prospects such as TRANSISTRRR. They would both headline day 2 of the festival on Monday, July 31.

Beginning the night. the crowd would be treated to the punk duo Dog Mess, a local Birmingham band whose unique engineering and style captured everyone during their set. They would be followed by Queercore punk band TRANSISTRRR, in a memorable great set performance and Fatal Dose. Those in attendance would be treated to the first of the South Korean headliners, as 18Fevers would take the stage in the night’s first major performance.

Entering the stage, the band would set up, letting their presence be known. First performing their latest album, they would quickly get people crowding around and forming mosh pits. As they soon matched the punk energy given by the Seoul-based band.

As well as their full album, the band would also go on to perform singles “Danse Macabre,” “The Summoning” and “Just a Nipple” They would also talk to the crowd, first introducing themselves and talking about their experiences in the punk rock scene in Korea and the tour so far. They would also show their enthusiastic style and persona, whether it was bassist Matt entering the crowd and running across the floor. The band stood out as one of the day’s best performers receiving praise even long after their performance on stage.

The crowd would then see the likes of Fatal Dose and Authoritycracks. Before ending the night on the day’s main headliners, Rumkicks. Who even at the end of a long night drew large crowds, with everyone heading to the front of the stage to catch a glimpse of the Korean superstars.

They would begin by performing their classics from over the years. Before introducing themselves and talking about their experiences in the Korean punk rock scene, passing judgement on the government for their lack of support and false promises to improve the genre explaining their songs and most recent album, where they express these injustices.

The band would end the night performing fan favourites, “Drinking Everyday” and “Punk Rocker” as after their performance they much like 18Fevers, would be met by great praise from everyone in attendance. And after almost 6 hours and many great performances, the night was over.

Later having gone and rocked out at the Rebellion festival just a few days later and now back in Korea. Both Rumkicks and 18Fevers have done the Korean punk scene proud, promoting a genre that not even Korea itself recognises. Let’s hope that their success sees new funding and attention to what is a beautiful form of music.