By Cain Barriskill/John Redmond
Contributing Writers
Hongdae has long-established a reputation as the breaking ground for new bands ― especially on the alternative scene, with a host of venues drawing music fans from across the nation.
Very few seem capable of challenging this notion, especially in places such as Itaewon, once well known for bars thick with cover bands ― those who specialize in performing, or ``covering'', music by mainstream bands.
But rock venue Ole Stompers in Itaewon set out to provide a decent alternative for the many music fans starved of good live acts ― without a Pink Floyd guitar solo in earshot.
The people who brought you the now somewhat legendary Stompers' Battle of the Bands are back with what promises to be one more night of fantastic live music on Saturday, entitled ``Stompers' Valentine's Punk Rock Ball."
``The battle of the bands competition back in November proved that there is a real thirst for original live music in Itaewon. Once again, we've pushed hard to get three amazing live acts, rarely seen in the Itaewon area,'' commented organizer Cain Barriskill.
First up, making their Itaewon debut, are Ska Sucks. An extremely popular local act with a strong following, Ska Sucks recently realized their second EP on GMC records. The Ska band, renowned for their entertaining live performances, are sure to get your feet dancing.
Following them is the evening's expatriate offering, The Tear Jerks. Consisting of musicians from the United States and Northern Ireland, The Tear Jerks' music is best described as raucous drinking anthems not for the fainthearted. Formed only last year, The Tear Jerks have been wooing local audiences with their own style of punk rock and recently won the Anyang Battle of the Bands competition.
Closing the evening, and back for their second performance at Stompers, are legends of the Hongdae punk scene, Captain Bootbois. Formed back in 2001, Bootbois are stalwarts of the Korean punk scene. The band impressed the crowd at Stompers' Battle of the Bands in November and eventual winners Galaxy Express only narrowly defeated them.
In addition to the great live music, Stompers is offering a 20,000-won, all-you-can-drink promotion from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. So if the live music doesn't get you going, the beer definitely will. And to add to the Valentine's Day feel, customers will be given stickers at the door: red meaning taken; orange, not sure; and green, definitely single.
To get to Ole Stompers Rock Spot from Itaewon station, exit 3: walk straight and take the first right at the Dunkin' Donuts. Take the first left at Cancun. Stompers is at the top of the hill, the last bar on the left. E-mail
for further details.