By Ines Min
Liars, a Brooklyn-based experimental punk outfit, is making headway in Asia with their debut shows in Seoul and Busan on Feb. 11 and 12 respectively.
The three-man band has been noted for their genre hopping with each release, though careful to maintain a bursting original energy with a smooth technical skill.
Angus Andrew (vocals, guitar), Aaron Hemphill (percussion, guitar, synth) and Julian Gross (drums) first met in Los Angeles before packing up for New York. Their debut album in 2001, ``They Threw Us All In A Trench And Stuck A Monument On Top,’’ drew inspiration from the British post-punk movement of the 1970s, slowly bringing the group to light through effusive reviews.
A switch to the industrial saw the 2004 ``They Were Wrong, So We Drowned,’’ followed by the psychedelic ``Drums Not Dead’’ (2006).
A couple of line-up changes (reinstating the original founding trio) and several cross-continent moves later, Liars have since returned to their collaborative roots in L.A. to record their fifth full-length release.
The 2010 ``Sisterworld’’ was hailed by everyone from indie critics Pitchfork Media to the Onion’s A.V. Club, with a second remix version showcasing the talents of Thom Yorke, Devendra Banhart and Tunde Adebimpe (TV on the Radio).
The group toured with Radiohead, Blonde Redhead and Interpol, hit up Coachella in 2009 and now invade Korea with the help of local indie music booker Super Color Super ― which oversaw the explosive CocoRosie show last weekend.
Liars will play Feb. 11 at the V-Hall, located near exit 9 of Hongik Univ. Station, subway line 2. Tickets cost 34,000 won in advance, 38,000 won at the door. Their showcase in Busan will take place Feb. 12 at Interplay; 20,000 won in advance, 25,000 won at the door.
For more information, visit www.supercolorsuper.com.