The members of Goths on the Beach hang out at Wahyeon Beach on Geoje Island in South Gyeongsang Province. Courtesy of Nyree Scales
If you're a goth and like feeling depressed, have I got good news for you: The Busan band Goths on the Beach (GOTB) is coming to an end, as the two lead figures of the band are moving away.
Once you've finished wiping the black eyeliner out of your eyes, here's some actual good news: before they go, they have a lot more in store for you. This includes the release of a double album, the first half of which drops Tuesday this week, plus a final show in Seoul this weekend and more shows down in Busan before the inevitable bitter end.
Goths are often the butt of subcultural jokes, and GOTB's band name certainly seems like a punchline, juxtaposing the scene known for its depressing attitude and pale skin with all the warmth and fun of the beach. But GOTB is certainly in on the joke, as its main front members Isaac and Kim always lead energetic performances filled with quirky humor and hilarious references to the culture.
"People always seem to reckon being a goth is all about being miserable and depressed but in my experience with the scene no one takes themselves that seriously," Kim told The Korea Times. "Most everyone I know on the scene — myself included — is just a big geek who likes wearing black. When we aren't at the club we're at anime conventions, playing D&D or watching 'Lord of the Rings' on repeat."
This take is on full display in GOTB's new song, "Hot Goth GF," full of industrial beats and echoing vocals, with the chorus "Everybody wants a hot goth girlfriend."
"Goths are just nerds but a little more spooky," Kim explained.
The new song is one of many on the double album, which breaks down into "2 Goth 2 Surfious," an electro dance album which is freshly out right now, and "Surfin' ROK," which presents a rockier side of the band, coming out in June.
Both albums have their share of amusing novelty songs as well as more straight-up tracks. All are worth repeated listens, whether you're seeing them live or listening online. It should come as no surprise that Isaac comes from a comedy background, having hosted The Ha-Ha Hole, a monthly open mic comedy event in Busan.
In "The Duck Boat Party," Kim and Isaac address each other in character as Barbie and Ken and discuss going on a duck boat ride.
In "Deep Sinker — I Hardly Knew Her," Isaac explains the Caesar, a classic Canadian cocktail that includes clam juice, which Kim says "Sounds fucking disgusting."
"Extremely underrated drink," Isaac told The Korea Times. "I once ordered a Caesar at HQ Gwangan and their bartender handed me a pair of scissors, which was hilarious but understandable."
Goths on the Beach perform at Club UND on Geoje Island in South Gyeongsang Province. Courtesy of Nikki Bell
Many of GOTB's songs may be firmly planted in the novelty genre, but they still stand on their own as legitimately good music.
They've already released a full 11-song debut album, ambitiously titled "Greatest Hits Vol. 1," which came out early last year, as well as two digital singles this year, titled "Clean up the Beach" and "Sharks in the Water." They even released a Christmas song last December.
GOTB has been exciting underground music lovers across the country since last year, which certainly isn't something they could do if they were a one-joke act.
"People want something spooky and everyone loves the beach," Isaac responded when asked about the band's strong appeal.
Kim, who has been in the goth subculture for the last 20 years, provided more background about why the goth subculture seems to be hitting so big these days.
"I think people on the scene are drawn together by a shared love of the music, alt fashion and an interest in the darker side of life," she said. "Even in the goth scene there's multiple subcultures — cybergoth, pastel goth, trad goth, mall goth, Gothic Lolita ... the list goes on."
The members of Goths on the Beach pose in an unmanned photo studio in Busan. Courtesy of Goths on the Beach
Unfortunately, as life goes on, it's time for Isaac and Kim to leave.
"Korea has been a blast," Isaac said. "Music scene is A+. It's the reason (I have) stayed here for so long."
He thanked all the Busan venues that have welcomed GOTB, as well as Communes in Daegu and UND on Geoje Island in South Gyeongsang Province. He also shouted out to the bands GOTB has encountered, including Fat Hamster and Kang New, Sindosi, Daisy Gun, OhChill and Drinking Boys and Girls Choir.
Now that the end is nigh for GOTB, Isaac and Kim are planning for the next chapter in their lives. They're getting married and then moving to Spain, where they said they plan to live close to the water. They also hope to keep the band going, albeit probably with a different local lineup there.
"Leaving is a split between being closer to family and entering Eurovision — maybe a 30/70 split," Isaac said.
GOTB will play their final Seoul show this Saturday. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the opening bands include Cloud Underground, Gorymurgy, Biuret and Holocity. They'll be at Busan's HQ Gwangan on June 14, playing with Fat Hamster and Kang New. A final show is planned for July 13. More details are likely to be announced in the weeks to come, and possibly a few additional shows.
Visit gothsonthebeach.bandcamp.com to listen or linktr.ee/gothsonthebeach for more information.