Rock Will Never Die

The opening pair can make Boohwal’s debut seem instantly familiar: Heeya and Biwa Dangsinui Iyagi are placed first. Stay with the sequence, however, and the nearly seven-minute Inhyeongui Buhwal changes the focus. A record that begins with conspicuous singing asks the listener to follow an extended instrumental passage at its centre.

This is the band’s 1986 debut, featuring Lee Seung-chul on lead vocals and Kim Tae-won on guitar and arrangements. The transcribed original credits also identify guitarist Lee Ji-woong, bassist Kim Byeong-chan and drummer Hwang Tae-sun. Remembering that ensemble prevents the album from shrinking into a contest between a famous singer and a famous guitarist.

Melody as a structural choice

A 2007 Kyunghyang retrospective emphasised melodic writing and slower or moderate tempos rather than a race for speed. That is a later critical reading, not a poll of the original audience. It nevertheless suggests a useful approach: the force of this record need not depend on how quickly its musicians play. Listen to how a vocal phrase makes room for an instrumental continuation.

Beyond the opening pair

Neo Ppuniya and Gilgaui Yeonindeul shorten the scale after the first two songs. Inhyeongui Buhwal then opens what was the second side of the LP, moving the instrumental development into a prominent position. Seulpeun Hwansang, Sarang Anin Chingu and Sarangui Heunjeok complete the eight band tracks. Keeping that order exposes a larger design than a compilation of the familiar ballads would suggest.

Meet this lineup first

There is no need to learn the band’s subsequent changes of singer before approaching this recording. Start with the interaction of the voice and guitar on the opening songs, then notice what happens when the long central piece takes away the expectation of another sung refrain. The title’s promise of endurance is less revealing than that particular change of emphasis. This album earns attention through the way it distributes its strengths.