Throwback Review: Effect by Buzz

Some songs can transport you through time to long-lost love or simpler times. The band Buzz has this feeling threaded through their songs. Their albums from the early 2000’s bring the listener back to a simpler time with nostalgic guitar strums and images of deep love. With their music aging like fine wine, one has to wonder how it all started over two decades ago.

 

Take yourself back to the turn of the century, when a group of underground musicians were wishing for a chance to make music. The band began to take shape in 1998 as two members met in the same label, slowly adding three more additions through the years until the band was completed in 2000. In 2003, the band debuted with their album Morning Of Buzz. The band was composed of members Min Kyung-hoon (main vocalist), Yoon Woo-hyun (guitarist), Son Sung-hee (guitarist), Kim Ye-joon (drummer), and Shin Joon-ki (bassist).

 

Their second album, Effect (sometimes known as Buzz Effect), has won a spot in many hearts, including my own. Released in 2005, this album tells stories of first love, loss, and working through a relationship. Its ability to switch between upbeat rock ballads and tragic, sorrowful laments is impressive. Plus, the album is beloved by many in the industry.

 

My all-time favorite song from Buzz is found on this album. “나에게로 떠나는 여행” (translated as “Journey to Myself” or “A trip for myself”) is an energetic and infectious story of leaving memories of a relationship behind and choosing to love yourself. It’s the perfect song for a trip and you can’t help but jump up and down in your car as it plays. I’m not alone in my enthusiasm for this song; the band BTS has sung this song in karaoke, not once, not twice, but three times on their own variety show, Run BTS. The song has an ability to bring nostalgia to the front of people’s hearts and the roaring electric guitar brings energy to any situation you could find yourself in.

 

The first track of the album, “Coward”, achieved moderate commercial success and also featured on a BTS karaoke episode. Another boost to its success can be attributed to its famous music video that managed to contain a whole drama plot in 8 minutes (the pace is incredible). This song is an emotional powder keg, set off by Min Kyung-hoon’s powerful belting. The lyrics paint a picture of deep love, but also the feelings of a coward. It is a classic ballad in every sense. The drums and sorrowful guitar add to the revelations made throughout the song. Other favorites from this album are “1st” and “Thorn”. 

 

So after this wonderful album was released, what happened? Buzz continued to release music, and in 2007, the group went on hiatus to fulfill their military duties. During this time, a couple other members were added to the band and some music was released. Both new additions soon left and in 2014, all original 5 members were done with their military service and reunited. They have been releasing music ever since, with their latest album coming out in 2021. Their songs have earned the titles of karaoke classics and the lead vocalist Min Kyung-hoon is a regular cast member of the popular show Knowing Bros (also called Men on a Mission) where comedians interact with many musicians and celebrities. Buzz continues to make music to this day, and I for one am eagerly waiting for their next release. Their music has already made a mark on the industry, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.