Return to Old Rock

Rock band `Nova Sonic` is playing traditional rock music again. The young band has made its comeback with fourth album titled `the Spirit` after experimenting hardcore rock for some time. Their U-turn came after lead singer Kim Jin-pyo`s departure.

Now the team is led by Kim Se-hwang, Kim Young-seok and Lee Su-young, former members of rock band `Next.` Of the three, Lee is still keeping low profile after the drug charge last year.

New lead singer Lee Hyu-seop is a 25-year-old newcomer who has mostly been working with underground bands. ˝He is helping us expand our horizon for rock music,˝ said the band of it lead vocal.

`Leave Me Alone (written by Kim Young-seok and Park Joon-soo, lyrics by Kim Young-seok),` the third title of the new album, comes with rich folk-rock sound and unrestricted vocal. Lee sings ballad songs like `Lady` and `Beginning of Another Day` impressively.

Also noteworthy is that the group has chosen instrumental play `the Spirit` as the first title. Kim Se-hwang explained how his team came up with the song. ˝When a foreign guitarist asked us about a song that carries well Korean emotions, we thought about the joint performance between Kim Do-gyun and a rock band. Then the idea of trying Korean rock began to haunt me.˝

`The Spirit` produces heavy drumbeats and skilled guitar play. ˝This is a tribute to those wishing reunification of the two Koreas,˝ said Kim.

The new album, in fact, unfolds the spectrum of rock music. `Hypocrisy` and `the King of Darkness` come with strong and dynamic rock sound, while `the Baby Bird` carries some fantastic mood. ˝We made this song for wedding celebration, which is a rare attempt for a rock group,˝ said Kim of `Dear You,` sung by Lee Hyun-seop and Cho Yu-jin, a female vocal of `Cherry Filter.`

Fans are welcoming the group`s return to traditional rock. They are anticipating what the new album made by the seasoned performers will be like. In less than 10 days since the release, the album has already been sold almost 20,000 copies.

Yub Huh heo@donga.com