Nell – Separation Anxiety

I’ve liked Nell for some time now. They’re a Korean band that sings hauntingly good indie rock songs. I was first introduced to them through my girlfriend (who happens to be Korean). I wasn’t totally sold on them at first…but Kim Jong-wan’s (lead vocalist) voice carried so well there really wasn’t any resisting them. The first album I heard was Let It Rain which is great but a little too ‘cookie cutter’ for me. This was followed by Healing Process which is actually two discs and I loved this set all the more. It seemed more creative, more powerful and even more unforgettable.

Then, in 2008, Nell released Separation Anxiety and I was amazed still further. Here in Korea, their first single “기억을 걷는 시간” has taken off big time – being played everywhere – convenience stores, restaurants, and clothing shops. It’s quite a mellow tune but completely catchy. Apparently, Nell have been criticized for becoming too mainstream as some feel the song is too poppy – as though they’ve lost their indie edginess. I would tend to disagree. While that particular track is more appealing to the masses, the rest of the album is rather experimental.

In fact, that is what has drawn me to this album again and again. The first half of the disc is somewhat straight-laced – but beautiful none-the-less. The later half, however, is quite epic and very much interplanetary. The tracks become longer and grandiose. I find myself entranced in the melodies and vocal wavering. Now, as much as it’s beautiful – it’s awfully sad. Right from the album title you should be able to see that this project isn’t going to be all smiles and sunshine. Nell might be criticized from borrowing too much from their British brothers (Radiohead, Placebo, Muse) but what they use – they use incredibly well.

In reality, Nell acknowledges their musical influences and has been known to cover these same bands live. For me though, this album breaks new ground. It sounds as fresh and original as anything I’ve heard. I also think the English content is higher on Separation Anxiety. Maybe that’s why I like it so much. Regardless, I have a feeling that some of these songs will stick with me for a long time. On a side note, their name Nell actually comes for a 1994 movie titled Nell starring Jodie Foster. Seems appropriate. I learned this on Wikipedia.



기억을 걷는 시간

Until then..

-Paul