The Korean collective hit unfathomably creative heights on their sensational new record, Gongbu. But what takes the sonic disruptors tick?

There’s something bohemian about Balming Tiger. In a Korean and K-pop industry dominated by maximalist simplicity, over-production, glossy visuals and image-centricity, the alternative collective finds inspiration in the avant garde. They stand out like a sore thumb. The illest digit in a hand of straight-edge fingers. 

Since 2023’s debut joint January Never Dies, the six-piece – or eleven-piece with all members in and out of music involved – have been classed among the most enticing and experimental acts from Asia. But there’s no resting on creative laurels with this lot about. Gongbu, their new sophomore album, is a rich, intricate, musically adventurous masterwork. It’s more subtle than its predecessor, less heavy-handed in its production, more influenced by the philosophy of jazz in its looseness and playful essence. 

Jaw-droppingly effective, Balming Tiger maintain and augments their reputation as mavericks in the Korean musical sphere. But what inspired Gongbu? What makes these felines feel fine? Keep scrolling to find out as each member picks a track they’ve had On Repeat.

Listen to Gongbu…

Balming Tiger Are On Repeat…

Omega Sapien: Tony Scott – “Ode To An Oud”

A track full of unique and exotic charm.

sogumm: Ongheya – “공산농요 (Korean traditional folk song)”

I’ve been deeply influenced by traditional call-and-response singing styles, folk songs, and farming songs. In particular, I drew great inspiration from “rice threshing songs,” which were sung together while threshing rice. Just like those threshing songs celebrated a plentiful harvest, I wanted this track to carry the spirit of singing together, calling for hope, sharing strength, and uplifting one another through music. I hope abundance finds Balming Tiger’s soul, heart, and music as well.

Mudd the student: Sanullim – “Spread Silk On My Heart”

I think this is one of the greatest masterpieces of Korean psychedelic rock!

bj wnjn: Shin Joong Hyun – “Beautiful Woman”

Shin Joong Hyun’s innovative reinterpretation of Western music through a distinctly Korean sensibility had a strong influence on us, and likewise, we tried to find and express our own unique color throughout this album.

Leesuho: John Carroll Kirby, Haroumi Hosono ft. The Mizuhara Sisters – “FUKU WA UCHI ONI WA SOTO”

This is John Carroll Kirby’s cover version of Haruomi Hosono’s original song, featuring vocals by Kiko Mizuhara and Yuka Mizuhara. The innocent, childlike vocals of the Mizuhara Sisters are especially charming. The title and lyrics mean “Fortune In, Demons Out,” and I found its strong folkloric atmosphere really interesting.

Unsinkable: Pram – “Sleepy Sweet”

The sound of the album this track belongs to is so beautiful that I think I listened to it endlessly while working on our album. Coincidentally, this album is also about sleep, dreams, and unreality. The other tracks are great too, so definitely listen to the album in full!!!

San Yawn: Shin Joong Hyun and Yup Juns – “I Love You”

Haerangsa rul neo nun na.

Jan’ Qui: Can – “Moonshake”

The stormy yet gentlemanly nuance of this song made us think about how to make our sitcom-like aesthetic — which could easily come across as “C-grade” — feel more refined and sophisticated, like a “B+.”

Hong Chanhee: Terry Riley – “A Rainbow in Curved Air”

A minimalist piece with many different variations within it / I listened to it often while working on design projects.

Abyss: Shimizu Yasuaki – “Tachikawa”

Around the time I was making the album “Study,” I listened to Shimizu Yasuaki’s album Music for Commercials very often. Released in 1987, it’s a highly experimental album compiling Japanese TV commercial music, and I found it fascinating because it captures an East Asian mood so well.