Punks Got Seoul

When I heard that the Rumkicks from Korea would be touring Europe, after playing across the USA, I hoped they would be playing in Valencia. Not only did they play Valencia, but they also played at my favourite club, supported by my favourite local band and a band from Madrid I had been wanting to see.

The Rumkicks were booked to play at the mighty 16 Toneladas Club supported by the Deaf Devils and the Automatic Lovers - a three-way punk-off between Seoul, Madrid and Valencia. Camera bag packed and diary cleared for the following day I headed into town - slightly regretting Doc Martins, Jeans and my trusty old Sex Pistols T-shirt in the 97 degrees of Valencian sunshine that burnt into my aging (sometimes ailing) brain.

Backstage nerves were quashed and lubricated with copious amounts of ice-cold beer. Let’s face it, no great night out starts with a salad and mineral water!

First to take to the stage were the Automatic Lovers and they delivered a ‘77 punk inspired set, snarling through vocals and hard guitar riffs - beer was thrown, people dived off stage and the atmosphere was set for the following bands.

Next up The Rumkicks - the all-girl power pop punk band did not disappoint. The language barrier was not a problem - the crowd got involved and 16 Toneladas rocked hard.

Finally, Valencia’s finest- the Deaf Devils took to the stage. Semi- naked stage invaders, things getting set on fire, diving off drum kits and bars. Pure punk insanity at its finest. For their final song (Boom) the drum kit was taken into the crowd and they performed in the middle of the dance floor. The crowd go crazy, Lucyfer throws herself into the drum kit and alas, the gig is over.

The party continued backstage, but this is a PG rated publication so for legal reasons and to keep Interpol from knocking on my door, this review shall end here…

Rumkicks

Welcome to Valencia - 30 Shows, 9 Countries, Day 2 of the tour – how are you feeling?

Feeling a little tired, jetlag and the time is all wrong! But as we get into the tour it will get better!

How would you describe the Rumkicks?

Just a normal punk band from South Korea

Who are your biggest influences?

Red Hot Chillie Peppers, Rancid and Pantera

If you could play with any band, who would it be?

Rancid or Pantera

What’s next for Rumkicks when you get back to Korea?

Singapore and Malaysia in September, October Japan tour, then who knows!

Do you have a message for your fans?

We will get better! Follow us and buy merchandise!

Automatic Lovers

You guys are having a busy summer – what’s been the highlight so far?

Espina Festival – it was fucking amazing

How is the tour with the Rumkicks and Deaf Devils going?

Its only day 2 – but already crazy. Barcelona last night, was like the Beatles in Hamburg.  People in pig masks fighting with plant pots…..

It’s not your first time playing here at 16 Toneladas – do you like the venue?

It’s the best venue in the country, best sound, best people, it’s so fucking cool. If you are a band you must play here.

 I have heard a rumour that an EP might be coming.

We are going to start recording after the summer, keep watching our social media for more.

If you could play one venue., where would it be?

CBGBs – without a doubt

Pineapple on pizza – yes or no?

No! fuck no! Never!

Have you got s message for the fans?

Do what you want to do and make sure you do it and tell everyone else to fuck off!  We are here doing what we want and fuck off to all the haters, because we love you!follow your life and follow your dreams, keep your guitars safe and follow us on social media!

Deaf Devils

Been a while since we last spoke – how are things?

Fucking awesome! We are touring, have an EP out, new merchandise and we are touring with the Rumkicks.  Things are crazy – it’s like we don’t feel the ceiling but we don’t want to touch it! We just want to keep going and the sky is the limit, whatever happens happens!

One month until you play Rebellion Festival - still excited?

We still cannot believe it! It’s incredible to thingk we are going to be playing at Rebellion Festival in the UK. And before you ask – fucking no to pineapple on pizza!!

30 minutes to showtime – how are you feeling?

Always nervous, always! But as soon as we get on stage, everything changes and we are ready and all the stress goes.  (Lucyfer) When I go on stage I have my alter ego – I am a fucking angry devil!

What’s next for the Deaf Devils?

Who knows? If you told me last year we would tour Spain, UK, France, play at Rebellion - all these things, we would not have believed it.  We are just loving every moment and we do not want it to end!

Public Service Announcement: You are not a fan by sitting in your armchair and surfing music on YouTube and Spotify. Get off your ass, get out and support local bands. Buy merchandise, buy vinyl, buy gig tickets, go to gigs and give bands the respect they deserve.  You would not watch a McDonalds advert if you were hungry – so do the right thing and show your support!

Words and photos: Rhyan Paul

Article originally published in Reckless Magazine:

https://www.recklessmagazine.com/home/punksgotseoul