[K-Culture at Home #10] Gugak Remix Series: Jambinai <JAMBINAI>

Jambinai

July 21 - 28

Jambinai sound less like a band than a force of nature, combining the full dramatic range of post-rock and metal with Korean folk roots to create an exhilarating and cathartic fusion. Their instrumental music is colored by the electric guitar, fiddle-like haegum, piri bamboo flute, and geomungo zither, each of which has a unique power to channel human emotion. While studying music at Korea’s National University of Arts where they first met, Jambinai's members found they were united by a desire to adapt traditional music for non-traditional listeners. Their vision diverged from other Korean fusion music, however, eschewing classical and jazz styles for a molten mix of metal, rock, and atmospheric experimental sounds prominently featured at the closing ceremony of the of the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. The result is a darker, more brooding style than most of their contemporaries, a considerable understatement that belies the healing power of Jambinai's music.

Jambinai is a Korean avant-rock band formed in Seoul in 2009 that combines Korean traditional instruments with Western music genres including free jazz, rock, and heavy metal. Focusing on live music performances that provoke overwhelming inspiration, the group has been invited to perform around the world in more than a dozen countries including at the PIAF Arts Festival in Australia, Coachella Festival in the United States, Glastonbury Festival in the UK, Primavera Sound Music Festival in Spain, Roskilde Festival in Denmark, Hellfest in France, and the closing ceremony of the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in the Republic of Korea. Jambinai's debut album Différance won Best Crossover Album at the 2013 Korean Music Awards and the group won for Best Rock Music and Best Rock Song at the 2020 Korean Music Awards, in addition to the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism prize in 2017, Korean National Assembly's Korean Traditional Musician of 2016 award, and the KBS Korean Traditional Music Group Award in 2016. 

Premier

June 29, 2020 at Seoul Traditional Donhawamun Theater

Musicians

Lee Ilwoo | saenghwang, guitar, piri, taepyeongso, vocals

Kim Bomi | haegeum, triangle, vocals

Sim Eunyong | geomungo

Choi Jaehyuk | drums

Yu Byeongkoo | bass guitar

Program

JAMBINAI

Time of Extinction

Sun Tears Red

ONDA

Connection

Artist information and photos courtesy of Bella Union.

This recording will be available online for a limited time only, now through Tuesday, July 28 at 5 p.m. (EST). Watch at the link below!

https://vimeo.com/440160575