Teen Gothic

He was really nice about taking the photo (& overall super chill). They had a strong closing set and even if you don’t speak Korean (as some lyrics are), I think the music transcends language.

They also had one of the most interesting merch I’ve seen & picked up. In Korean shamanism, a bujeok (talisman) is handwritten by a mudang (like their song, it means shaman). These were handmade by Sung's family member. Depending on the design, it has a different purpose and this one is for 소원성취 (wish fulfillment).

I unfortunately didn’t get to catch the full Ball lineup but highlights for me were DECEITS, Rosegarden Funeral Party (Leah was the sweetest when we met her at merch & my friend loved she signed their lighter), and Anja Huwe/Xmal Deutschland!! They haven't played in the US in ~40yrs, so that was really special to see.

Both Past Self and Rosegarden Funeral Party have US tours coming up, definitely recommend catching them if they pass through your city.

this song is called "녹슨 칼" (pronounced nogk-seun kahl) it translates to "rusty knife" and is about feeling ostracized and obscure from the social norms and learning to embrace it.