Ha Hyun Sang(하현상) - Time and Trace(시간과 흔적) Album Thoughts(K-indie)

 

    Ha Hyun Sang is a singer that I know nothing about. A quick search tells me that he was on a Korean singing survival program at the start of his career. He is the leader of his own band while also releasing solo EPs. Time and Trace is his first full album so I stumbled on this talent at the right time.

Tracklist:
1. Melancholy
2. 말야
3. 시간과 흔적
4. 하루가
5. 소년의 방
6. Laputa
7. 까만 낮
8. Good Night
9. 집에 가는 길
10. Same Old Song
11. 파도

     I love how all the harmonies and band instrumental lines just blend together so well. Ha Hyun Sang is only twenty four year old and he's already creating a body of work that show cases all that he is. Some might call the tracks ballad rock. Well, I would but a few tracks do hit hard on the guitars since he plays himself. Time and Trace is an emotional rollercoaster  through emotion that doesn't waver off it's path not once in the album's run time. Even a random pop number doesn't make the album feel disjointed. Time and Trace is an album for Korean music listeners who want to step away from the overproduced mainstream tracks for something a bit more raw.  

   Ha Hyun Sang is a high tenor voice that he sues to sing with his heart. You can hear him sing all his lyrics with a really sadness and clarity. I wasn't a bit fan of his vocals when the album first started however, the album's title tracks is such a beautiful song. Maybe even his best vocal performance on the album. 

    I hope that those Kpop/Korean music lovers found a new artist to check out. Ha Hyun Sang is very talented in my opinion. Enjoy!!!