Galaxy Express are a band from Seoul, South Korea who formed in 2006. After putting out a series of EPs and albums (including a split with Crying Nut and 2012’s self-titled full release), the band have played all over the world (including shows at SXSW and CMW, and an opening slot for Thee Oh Sees at home in Seoul), and garnered some serious recognition (including from big US publications such as The New York Times and The Austin Chronicle). Now the trio are back with a new album, Walking on Empty, a continuation of their distinctive rock-punk-psychedelic sound which pushes in interesting directions.
If you listen to their self-titled debut straight into the new release, it’s clear Galaxy Express are evolving. While previous releases are full of sloppy, manic noise, Walking on Empty sees a more mature sound, the rough surfaces polished and sharp edges trimmed in favour of something more focussed and precise. Standout track 시간은 간다 (Time Keeps Rollin’ By) is a perfect example of this; A laid-back pop hit combining acoustic guitars with a rock-pop vibe. The song has more in common with the breezy anthemic nature of Britpop than the messy rock of previous releases. You get the sense that the band are adapting with experience, learning how to harness their energy, using changes of tempo to both explore wider emotional terrains and allow the loud bits to be more dramatic and pronounced. Watch the video for 시간은 간다 (Time Keeps Rollin’ By) below and see what I mean:
Galaxy Express might describe themselves as a “high octane, runaway bullet train”, but you get the sense, at least on this newest album, that the driver has wrested back control and running right on schedule. You can buy Walking on Empty now from a variety of places, collected neatly by Loverock.