There’s an electrifying buzz on the West Coast, and it isn’t the latest tech innovation. This is the rhythm of culture, tradition, and raw emotion emanating from Keepers of Humanity’s upcoming EP, Pansori. As the San Francisco-based Alt-Rockers gear up for their latest launch, they’re bringing an intriguing blend of modern storytelling and ancient Korean artistry to the music scene.
It’s clear from the onset that Pansori isn’t just another record. The title itself pays tribute to the age-old Korean storytelling tradition, hinting at the layers of narratives hidden within. By intertwining their personal journeys with the broader tales of love, despair, and the expectations that come with heritage, the band serves up a listening experience that’s both refreshing and reflective.
In many ways, the new EP is an amalgamation of tales: those of a misunderstood teen, of challenges faced by adults every day, and the second chances parenthood can offer. However, Pansori doesn’t stop at mere lyrical prowess. The eclectic genre mix, from blues to punk, metal to ambient, ensures every song surprises, resonates, and remains with you. Think Kate Bush meets Tori Amos with a sprinkle of Amanda Palmer’s flair, and you’ll be on the right track.
The title track “Pansori”, acts as the anchor of the entire EP. It not only shares the EP’s title but is its heartbeat. Here, the band cleverly contrasts two worlds: an older man, honoring his mother in the classic Korean pansori style, and a young woman singing about the very real modern-day struggle many face, suppressing personal passions for familial expectations. The beauty is in the juxtaposition. Jean Nanjo, the lead singer, reveals the personal touch, noting that the male vocals are crafted and performed by her father, Ik Shin.
“The lyrics reflect many times in life when I’ve experienced the need to break free, whether that was when leaving a bad relationship, fighting racial discrimination as a Korean-American woman, clashing with musicians over creative differences, and more,” she explains. “Like I say in the song, “Let me be me.”
The EP’s teaser single, “Intersection”, is equally mesmerizing. “Intersection” is also a tribute to the musicians I look up to who found success in remaining true to their own sound,” Nanjo says. The upbeat song features Rudy Choy’s punchy bass lines and Steven Bonaccorso’s killer guitar riffs, which bring much-needed energy into the melody. “This album reflects how varied musical tastes come together in harmony. Sometimes, you need to rock out, and sometimes, you need to just chill. Our music has a little bit of everything for listeners of all genres,” Choy adds.
“No Greater” delves into the harrowing emotions of living an unauthentic life and the suffocating weight of deceit. Its lyrics, both raw and powerful, convey sentiments of internal conflict and despair. A vibrant departure from the preceding songs, “Cosmic Mind” is a roller-coaster of juxtaposed imagery. It fluctuates between whimsical and eerie, depicting a mind bursting with conflicting emotions and ideas. The EP’s concluding track, “Fantasy at Daybreak” serves as a serene counterpoint to the EP’s preceding intensity. It delicately walks the line between dream and reality, presenting an ethereal ode to soulmate love.
Music lovers stay tuned because this San Francisco quartet is redefining Alt-Rock, one culturally-rich chord at a time. The Pansori experience begins on Friday, October 6. Until then, you can find sneak peeks into what the group is up to on their social media platforms.
