Daily Non-K-Pop Spotlight: “Zero” by 3rd Line Butterfly

The Korean rock group 3rd Line Butterfly don’t really fit cleanly into any genre distinction. They just make great music in whatever style they want. Their fifth album, Divided By Zero, is a testament to this versatility. It jumps from synth-pop to groovy stripped-back jams, and even treads into much more punk territory. Each of the songs here could warrant their own analysis, but for today, the one we’re focused on is the album’s almost-title track, “Zero.”

 

Although it’s situated squarely in the middle of the album, “Zero” feels like it could be the closer. It has the emotional buildup of a finale, and spends a lot of time cranking up the anticipation with rapid snare hits and tense chords before it blasts into a riffy, guitar-focused jam of epic proportions. Once you finally hit the release around the two minute mark, the wash of satisfaction and enjoyment is palpable. Everything has built to that point, and the vocals help propel the track into a triumphant cry of victory. It’s not the most popular track on the album by far, but it’s one that just hits right every time. The group is currently on hiatus, but have all expressed intent to play together again, so hopefully we’ll get new music at some point from 3rd Line Butterfly!

 

If you like what you hear, be sure to follow 3rd Line Butterfly on Instagram!