Rumkicks (Korean: 럼킥스) is a punk rock band from Seoul, South Korea, formed in 2018[1] by Jung Yeawon and bassist Choi Seun.
Rumkicks | |
|---|---|
 Yeawon of Rumkicks performs at Boojik in Gwangju, Korea, 11 February 2023 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Seoul, South Korea |
| Genres | punk |
| Years active | 2018-current |
| Members | Jung Yeawon (guitar, vocals) |
The name Rumkicks was chosen to be something neutral that doesn't hint at the members' gender. Yeawon said it doesn't have any deeper meaning, and she doesn't particularly like rum. She added that she took some inspiration from Australian band The Rumjacks.[2]
Known for their spiky look and genuine, fed-up lyrics that address social issues and mental health, Rumkicks have turned heads all around the world. They have toured extensively, including the UK, the US,[3] Europe,[4] China, and Japan.
They've been included on the lineup at Rebellion Festival 2022, 2023 and 2024.[5] At their debut appearance in 2022, they wore hanbok.[6]
History
editYeawon started listening to punk music in elementary school.[7] To hide her punk lifestyle, she wears a black wig at work.[8]
During a January 2023 Indonesia tour, Yeawon was hit in the head with a water bottle thrown from the crowd, between songs while she was talking about struggling for acceptance in the punk scene. The perpetrator was identified and kicked out of his band.[9]
Music
editRumkicks' sound is alternatingly described as pogo punk and pop-punk. They have often described their sound as "post-Chosun punk," named after the "Chosun punk" sound of pioneering Korean punk label Drug Records in the 1990s.
Some of their negative experiences and mistreatment as women in the punk scene have inspired their songs.
When someone touched Yeawon's hair spikes without permission, it triggered a conflict that inspired the song "Don't Touch My Head."[10]
When a Facebook group named "Punk is Everywhere" shared their photos without permission, they received many negative comments. In response, they released the song "Punk is Nowhere."[11]
They are strong proponents of mental health, having released the song "Proud of madness" featuring members of fellow Korean punk band 18Fevers.[12][13]
Recently, Rumkicks was featured on a song intended as an anthem for women by Canadian punk band Bad Skin.[14]
References
edit- ^ Hortonn, Ethan (12 August 2023). "Rumkicks and 18Fevers Moseley Punk Fest review". Retrieved 29 June 2024.
- ^ Twitch, Jon (Summer 2022). "Kick out the Rums" (PDF). Broke in Korea. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
- ^ Moore, Em. "Starving Wolves / Rumkicks (Western US)". Punk News. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
- ^ "Korean Punk Band RUMKICKS Release New Single AND Announce 30 Day Euro Tour". Unite Asia. 28 June 2024. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
- ^ Norman, Stacy (7 May 2024). "Rumkicks make a triumphant return with new single Let's Go". Loud Women. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
- ^ Slaughter, Dick. "Rebellion Fest 2022: Punk Rock's Family Reunion". Janky Smooth. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
- ^ Kir, Selin (14 April 2024). "UNLEASHING PUNK PANDEMONIUM WITH RUMKICKS BENEATH SEOUL'S NEON SKYLINE". Retrieved 29 June 2024.
- ^ Trueman, Gary (21 August 2022). "Interview: The Rebellion Tapes – Rumkicks". Devolution Magazine. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
- ^ Ng, Scott (17 January 2023). "Soekarja Street Crew fire bandmate for throwing bottle at Rumkicks singer". NME. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
- ^ Walsh, Lore (6 August 2022). "Korean Punks Rumkicks head to Rebellion Festival". United K-Pop. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
- ^ Dunbar, Jon (21 July 2022). "'England Belongs to' all-girl Korean punk band Rumkicks". The Korea Times. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
- ^ "Punk Band Rumkicks Release New Song To Support Mental Health Awareness [Korea]". Unite Asia. 10 January 2022. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
- ^ Sorley, Jeff. "Be "Proud of Madness" with Rumkicks with new single/video". Retrieved 29 June 2024.
- ^ "Canadian Punk Band BAD SKIN Join Forces With Korea's RUMKICKS On New Single". Unite Asia. 21 February 2024. Retrieved 29 June 2024.