Rumkicks present: Hit A Nerve
Seoul trio channels pogo-punk energy into sharp social commentary
Rumkicks, a South Korean band formed in 2018 by guitarist-vocalist Jeong Yeawon, bassist Choi Seeun and drummer MJ, have steadily built an international following for their high-energy blend of classic punk and pop-punk. Their second album Hit A Nerve first surfaced in Korea earlier this year and received a worldwide release on July 25 2025 through Austria’s SBÄM Records. While the group calls their style “post-Joseon punk,” their music aligns with pogo-punk’s insistent rhythms and the melodic hooks of early pop-punk.
The record begins with “We Are Rumkicks,” a 48-second mission statement that channels military snare rolls and gang vocals into a call to arms. “Punk Rock Boy” follows with bubble-gum melodies and brisk, handclap-ready rhythms, while “Instant” and “Let’s Go” lean further into shout-along choruses. On these tracks, Yeawon’s guitar playing alternates between palm-muted chords and fast-picked lines, and Seeun’s bass supplies a buoyant counterpoint that often carries the melody.
As the record progresses, Rumkicks introduce heavier elements without sacrificing catchiness. “Mosquito Fighter” and “Live Slowly, Die Old” are short, dirty punk songs that foreground MJ’s propulsive drumming. The standout “Sick of Seoul” expresses frustration with pressures in their hometown; while the lyrics are delivered in Korean, the emotion transcends language. The longest track, “Misery,” slows the tempo and features a bouncing bass line with reverb-soaked guitars, allowing the band to explore melancholy textures.
Throughout, Rumkicks balance social commentary with spirited performances. They tackle gender discrimination, mental health and online harassment, drawing from their experiences as women in a male-dominated scene. Yet their approach never feels heavy-handed; instead, the songs are anchored in personal resolve and optimism. By juxtaposing serious themes with uplifting melodies, the band underscores the idea that empowerment can come through camaraderie and movement.
Hit A Nerve refines the sound Rumkicks debuted on 2021’s We Don’t Give a F*. The production is cleaner, and the songs flow into one another, giving the album a sense of momentum. While rooted in punk tradition, the trio’s use of pop structures and singable hooks helps them stand apart. In balancing activism with musical fun, Rumkicks demonstrate that punk can still hit nerves while inviting listeners to dance.
Listen: Hit A Nerve on Bandcamp
