Cheap.n.Sweet - 1st Album [NO COMMENT!!]

It was in the fall of 2022, in front of a live club in Busan. "Dongsoo, can you produce our full-length album for us?"

The band Chip & Sweet, based in Busan, made a sudden request for me to produce their album. Since I had always liked their music, I briefly hesitated, worrying about what would happen if I ruined it.

But I wanted to do it. Even if I messed it up, I wanted to at least contribute something. If it failed, it would be my fault, and if it succeeded, the credit would go to the members. That way, even if the album didn’t do well, the band could still look forward to the next one. I didn’t want to see another great band release just one album and then disband. So I accepted.

The band seemed as if they had let go of everything during the album process, but in reality, they appeared anxious.

“There aren’t many rock stars who make it big later in life. I want to be a rock star, but it feels like it's already too late. I’m not even sure if I want to keep doing this. I also feel guilty, like I’m taking up space that should go to younger musicians.”

Even as they said this, I could see the burning desire in their eyes. Looking at those fiery eyes, I thought their anxiety came from wanting to succeed as soon as possible, as well as from the confidence they had in their own music. I wanted to draw out more of that confidence.

Chip & Sweet’s first full-length album, No Comment!!!, captures the entire musical journey of vocalist Sung Ki-myung, who’s been in the Busan music scene for almost 20 years, and the other members who were introduced to music through Chip & Sweet. It blends 90s indie/noise rock, 2000s post-punk revival, and 2020s post-punk all in one.

Perhaps rock music as a genre, especially the ones mentioned, isn’t mainstream in Korea. Nevertheless, Chip & Sweet’s songs on this album still sound accessible. The main reason for this is likely the powerful voice of vocalist Sung Ki-myung.

With a mournful voice reminiscent of what you might hear in 90s-2000s Korean music programs, Sung Ki-myung sings with the rough yet fragile, precarious image of a rock star. It’s not the typical punk voice we’re used to hearing. But this voice creates Chip & Sweet’s unique sound and makes non-mainstream music worth listening to again.

“I want to make enough money from music to live in an apartment.” This is something Chip & Sweet’s members say every day.

The money they’ll make from this album won’t be enough to buy an apartment. Maybe it’ll help cover the cost of cigarettes or a bowl of gukbap. After all, it’s rare for indie bands to become as massive as Oasis—especially in Korea. Even so, I think when this album is completed, Ki-myung hyung will be happy. Because he was able to make the album he truly wanted to, with the unconditional support of his fellow band members, without any interference. Even if he doesn’t have a house of his own, he might feel a bit of happiness.

Chip & Sweet’s No Comment!!! is an album that will burn away the misery of the past. It’s a loud album full of confidence from musicians.

To you who are reading this, I hope you give a listen to the rock and roll Chip & Sweet is offering. And I hope you come to their show. So that the local rock stars who dream of buying an apartment can become real rock stars.

• TRACK LIST
1. Lover Boy
2. Take six
3. Salary
4. SADS
5. 잠을 청했어
6. Turn It
7. YOUR NOISE(Album Ver.)
8. 사랑의 열매
9. 하얀초가 켜진 방은 너무나 어두워 잘 보이지 않았지