Patients
Seoul, South Korea | Established. Jan 01, 2005 | INDIE
Music
Press
"From guitar air kicks to crowd surfing, this Korean underground punk band had it all. Lead singer Sumin Jo fed off of the crowds enthusiasm and gave the performance of his life. Combining their tuneful melodies with semi-shouted lyrics and a Dragon Ball Z-esc hairstyle, PATiENTS captured the audience and delivered a set well worthy of future headlienrs. Even once the set was over, the crowd couldn't get enough - and Sumin Jo ended up with a line of people requesting pictures and hugs. What a way to represent your country." - Gigwise
"First up were Patients, a power punk trio with big tunes. Despite the lack of a guitar, their sound was full and meaty, with the piano proving to be a more than adequate, rocking and rolling replacement for the usually essential electric guitar.
The three piece were brilliant fun, and showed their ability to write killer hooks and melodies, although every track featured the lyric ‘Let’s go!’ several times throughout. With all the punch and impact of 1970s punk and the catchy songs to accompany, these boys could be Korea’s answer to the Clash." - Getintothis
"Describing themselves as “hybrid punk”, Patients are a guitarless Korean punk trio featuring drums, bass guitar, and a whole donkey cart of piano providing the catchy hooks. Patients have been around for a bit as a band but are one of the many Korean indie rock bands now enjoying international success with European tours and exposure. After listening to this slick and refreshing album I can see that all the attention is justified.
“18” kicks off with Let’s Drive, Let’s Go! a catchy rock n roll tune featuring upbeat melodies and cheerleader backups on the chorus from most likely cute Korean girls. They sound cute anyways! Right away you get a very Elvis Costello, maybe even early Elton John vibe thanks to the hard working piano. Bad Fingers switches to an organ sound and reminded me automatically of ? and the Mysterians with its dancing organ and driving rhythm section of bass(a Rickenbacker!!!!<3) and drums.
The single for the album, as seen in Singles Mingle, is 18세기 (My Korean sucks but I think this is “18th Century”?) and we get a faster power pop tune with punk influences reminiscent of the late 70’s power pop movement seen in England. The album features tight production, catchy hooks, and simple but sharp musicianship. You can also hear them go through a gauntlet of various punk and punk subgenre influences. Idiot vs Psycho shows off a DEVO/new wave side with electronic influences creeping in while High Darling is basically The Ramones if Johnny bought a keyboard instead of a guitar. Which is pretty f%*king cool.
Patients are one of those bands that can pull you out of the worst moods and add a bit of spring in your step. To me however I don’t think they are “hybrid punk”, whatever that means, but these dudes are straight up classic power pop with punk influence. I hear some deeper influences in this album and I’m hoping they explore some of that in later albums. I would love to see my psychedelic or new wave influences come out as this album tends to stay on the same plane throughout. If you love catchy, fun and fast power pop with blitzing keys and sing-along hooks then I recommend Patients. For bass players and people that hate electric guitars. For fans of Elvis Costello, The Undertones, Joe Jackson, DEVO, The Ramones, and maybe even The Stranglers if you’re feeling saucy." - AudioPhix
"Indeed, each member of PATiENTS was invaluable to the band’s overall sound, which had elements of 70’s punk and 80’s synth pop thrown together. Somehow, this unique mix seemed to fit naturally. Who knew you could mix Duran Duran and the Ramones together?" - Resonate
"Over at the Cargo Stage, South Korea’s Patients were fucking rock stars. They looked the part and they were the most charismatic act this writer saw all weekend. It almost didn’t matter about the quality of their material, but luckily the material was stellar. The only band today who actually made us scream and shout." - Getintothis
Discography
“18” – 2015
“Let's Drive, Let's Go!” (EP) – 2014 (tour-only release)
“Kitsch Space” – 2011
“All the Patients Let's Go” (EP) – 2007
“Hanging Revolution" (EP) – 2006
Photos
Bio
Hailing from South Korea, Patients are a self-dubbed “hybrid punk” band.
Formed in 2005, they established themselves as one of the leaders of
Seoul’s mid-noughties underground punk scene.
In 2006, they released their debut EP of fiery anthems, 2006’s “Hanging Revolution.” Their second EP, "All the Patients Let's Go," came out in 2007 and while supporting it, the band played their first international gig as part of the 2008 Japan/Korea Oi! Punk Festival in Japan.
In 2010, the group created their own indie imprint, Steel Face Records, to release music from Patients and like-minded artists. Wanting to experiment with different styles and expand their sound, Patients’ 2011 “Kitsch Space” full-length effort saw the group accenting their punk and rock cuts with bits of new wave and pop. Calling their new style “hybrid punk,” “Kitsch Space” was met with praise and earned the group a place in the 2011 Hello Rookie finals, a competition that highlights Korea's best up-and-coming bands. That next summer, Patients were invited to play at the Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival, one of the country’s top musical outings. In 2013, Patients made a lineup change replacing their guitarist with keyboardist Hyuckjang Kwon allowing them to take their music in even more different directions.
Eager to share their new sound globally, in May 2014 Patients embarked on a UK tour that included an appearance at Liverpool Sound City and shows in several other cities. And in September 2014, they traveled to Taiwan for a number of dates including a gig at Beastie Rock Festival.
In April 2015, Patients issued their sophomore full-length offering, “18.” To celebrate the release of “18,” Patients completed their second UK tour in May 2015 and received accolades from Gigwise for their Liverpool Sound City set.
In January 2016, Soowon Choi joined Patients as the group’s new drummer. In May 2016, the group toured in the UK again and performed at Liverpool Sound City for the third consecutive year. They were back in London in September for a concert as part of the K-Music Festival 2016.
Called “one of Seoul’s hardest-working indie trios” by 10 Magazine, 2017 will see the group releasing new music, continuing to perform around the world, and presenting gigs at the Seoul live spaces they own and operate, Club Steel Face and Steel Face Rooftop 3639.
Press Quotes:
“From guitar air kicks to crowd surfing, this Korean underground punk band had it all ... Combining their tuneful melodies with semi-shouted lyrics and a Dragon Ball Z-esc hairstyle, Patients captured the audience and delivered a set well worthy of future headliners.” – Gigwise
“The three piece were brilliant fun, and showed their ability to write killer hooks and melodies … With all the punch and impact of 1970s punk and the catchy songs to accompany, these boys could be Korea's answer to the Clash.” – Getintothis
“… absolutely infectious stuff and guaranteed to make crowds go nuts, whatever the hemisphere.” – Listen with Monger
“If you love catchy, fun and fast power pop with blitzing keys and sing-along hooks then I recommend Patients.” – AudioPhix
“It may not be the standard rocking indie trio format, but it sure kicks ass; live, they’re even better!” – 10 Magazine
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