LEENALCHI - SUGUNGGA (2026) [Hi-Res]

South Korean band Leenalchi reimagines the 18th-century folklore tale of the turtle and the rabbit on their album SUGUNGGA, merging traditional pansori vocal storytelling with heavy funk rhythm section arrangements. Four pansori vocalists — Ahn Yi Ho, Choi Su In, Park Soo Bum, and Ra Seo Jin — employ characteristic guttural, technique-driven vocals, treating the traditional narrative style as an active rhythmic component alongside the instrumentation. Eschewing traditional guitars, the band's lineup relies on dual electric basses played by Jang Young-gyu and Ejae, a full drum kit, and textural synthesizers.

The album gained widespread recognition through the track «Tiger Is Coming», which was highlighted in South Korean tourism campaigns and used as a World Cup goal celebration song. Spanning diverse stylistic directions, SUGUNGGA incorporates cinematic hip-hop elements on «Mao Mao Mao», tight synth-funk on «Crying Softshell Turtle», and a laid-back post-rock vibe reminiscent of Tortoise on «If You Want Me To Say». By fully integrating centuries-old vocal traditions with modern funk grooves, Leenalchi delivers a cohesive, propulsive album that avoids the pitfalls of novelty crossovers.

Tracklist:
1. LEENALCHI - Mao Mao Mao
2. LEENALCHI - Tiger Is Coming
3. LEENALCHI - Catch a Rabbit
4. LEENALCHI - A Fish Map
5. LEENALCHI - Ultimate Prescription
6. LEENALCHI - If You Want Me to Say
7. LEENALCHI - You Know Who I Am?
8. LEENALCHI - Crying Softshell Turtle
9. LEENALCHI - Ddiddiroo Diroo Diroo
10. LEENALCHI - Please Don't Go