Debuting in 2011, Korean band HarryBigButton formed as a three-piece band, combining forces and bringing their unique style and musical ability after each achieving individual success in the Korean music industry. The band have continued this success, now 12 years strong as a group of 2023.
Releasing their EP album Hard ‘N’ Loud that year they received Nationwide attention by appearing on the KBS series, ‘Top Band.’ Featuring bands such as Broken Valentine and Chosun Punk Legends No Brain. The show saw bands from all genres of rock join together to promote Korea’s lesser glamorous genres and highlight the troubles that artists go through daily.
The band have continued this success by appearing on season 2 of ‘Top Band’ and performing across Korea like many successful rock bands before them, touring the Korean rock festival scene. Appearing on stage at Jisan Valley Rock Festival in 2012 and 2013, Busan International Rock Festival in 2013 and 2019 and Pentaport Rock Festival, to name a few. They have also performed aboard, sharing the stage with International Music sensations Radiohead, The Stone Roses, Pet Shop Boys, Kasabian and John Legend.
This year they famously performed at the 2023 JUMF (Jeonju Ultimate Festival) alongside the likes of established acts Crying Nut, SURL, THORNAPPLE, NELL, and Peppertones in an action-packed 3-day festival which saw them take the stage on the festival’s second day.
The festival saw them perform their latest album ‘Big Fish.’ Released 10 days before the festival took place. Those in attendance were treated to the first performances of the album, and they weren’t disappointed.
The album sees the main vocalist, guitarist and drawing artist Sungsoo Lee channel his artistic ability. Joining forces with Titan Recording Studio mixing and recording artists Jungho Park and Hyungseok Oh alongside London-based master DJ John Davis. The album sees the band take inspiration from film, with each of the 10 tracks capturing the emotions and essence of Hollywood’s biggest blockbuster classics.
Originally meant to be released in 2020. In what was expected to be the band’s third album but was delayed due to Covid, and instead released as the main track of a 5-track EP. The album starts with “Dirty Harry” and continues with songs “Scarface,” “Mad Max 2,” “Dawn Of The Dead” and “Reality Bits.” Songs that had already been released as part of the Dirty Harry EP or as later referred to in the album’s teaser, ‘Season 1.’
The album also features their 2022 single, “Thelma and Louise.” Inspired by the 1991 film. The song cleverly integrates lyrics relating to the classic that any 90’s music fan can understand. They also bring a heavier but distinct 90’s vibe to the song. Making it one that you would want to listen to if you are on a long car journey looking for that little bit of motivation or searching for the perfect song after a long hard day.
Track number 7 features a band version of a Sungsoo Lee classic. Following a similar style to the song’s lyrics and signature vocals. The song features a stronger instrumental, with the acoustic sound being swapped for a stronger, more electronic sound serving as a change from the album’s heavy rock sound. “Only Lovers Left Alive” functions as a slower song, reminding me of a more mainstream Korean band like FT.Island. It also is the song that most represents a film in the whole album. And feels like something that not only fits the 2013 film. But also easily fit in its OST, perfectly matching the film’s love scenes. The song is a perfect encapsulation for anyone who has watched it.
Entering a completely different world. The album suddenly picks back up again. As we enter a post-apocalyptic world. Building upon the feelings of anger and resistance from the Planet of the Apes movies. The song takes on a punk rock style, a genre known for its stance on social issues and injustice. For anyone who enjoyed our interview with 18Fevers or are a fan of Rumkicks, then this song is definitely the one for you.
Keeping the darker more punk sound, we have “titane.” Based on the 2021 psychological drama. It sees the band further experiment with their sound, this time engineering SFX to go along with their instrumentals. The song captures the dark and twisted storyline of the film, making for the perfect film score for a movie with lyrics all about complicated family dynamics. It’s likewise great for those nights of isolation.
Rounding off the album. We have the title song, “Big Fish.” A film all about a son caring for his dying father and searching for the truth behind his otherworldly stories. The song’s music video starts with an emotional message reading:
I discovered old photographs within a dusty box,
Where forgotten memories from my memory box were preserved.
The individuals in the pictures all appeared happy
And even the younger version of myself smiled innocently.
However, my father’s presence was nowhere to be found.
Perhaps, without a doubt, my father was behind the camera shutter, capturing those moments.
I will never know the answer for certain.
Nevertheless, those pictures moments my father left behind, like vivid evidence, would undoubtedly brush away the accumulated dust in my heart, bringing a sense of contentment.
In that moment, I too wish to press the camera shutter towards my father.
If only I could.
The video then goes into an image of Sungsoo Lee as a child. Whilst the song matches the film’s theme. The main vocalist once again adapts his voice with a sincere and sombre tone, dedicating the song to anyone who has lost their loved ones. The song’s sea sound effects at the start bring happy memories of simpler times. Whilst the song shares the same name and underlying message as the Tim Burton 2004 movie. Its message and meaning go far beyond that, giving a deeper meaningful insight into HarryBigButton.
Overall, Big Fish encapsulates everything that is great about Korean music and what makes us fall in love with fans. With each song seemingly having a completely different genre and sound, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are a hardcore rock fan looking for something a little bit different or a soft rock fan looking for something more substantial. HarryBigButton does this perfectly across the 10 tracks.
Whilst the connection to film means it’s perfect for anyone into classic film or 90’s pop culture calling on nostalgic memories and feeling felt from the film. Its plotlines, alongside Lee Sungsoo’s creative ability to produce compelling music. Making this album a must for all K-music fans.
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