Album Review - ILLSAMGONGGONG by 1300
1300. Photo credit: Will Zhang
With several mixtapes under their belt and achieving hometown hero status in Eora/Sydney, 1300 are back with their self-titled debut album, ILLSAMGONGGONG. Here, the Korean-Australian hip-hop group are fully embracing the Boy band title, and all the playful energy that comes with it. 1300 have been figureheads of the Asian diasporic music scene in Eora and are ready to make more than a few waves going forward. They’ve penned a deal with Universal Music Korea, making a clear statement valuing connection to their roots, and doing what they do best on a global stage.
For DALI, goyo, rako, Nerdie and pokari, a lot has changed since their 2024 mixtape GEORGE, which wrestled with anxiety and stolen youth in the digital age. Since then, members felt their individual lives strained by the whirlwind of globetrotting with their music. Their group foundations were also tested, with each of their lives taking different routes. Such circumstances would understandably bring bands to an end, but 1300 returned after a necessary breather. The group focused on what makes their friendship and creative process precious to them, producing a club-ready, genre-gliding album reflecting the rediscovery of togetherness, freedom to express themselves, having fun, and dancing despite bleak times.
ILLSAMGONGGONG, meaning One-Three-Hundred in Korean, was a hook the group held onto since first forming, saying, “we’ll use this someday.” Years later, it became the mantra for the album itself, establishing the energy in the titular opening track. This kineticism carries through into ‘Headrock’, which is designed for the mosh. The track title comes from a Korean proverb meaning: “jumping into the ground head first… An action that is reckless, and possibly pointless,” says 1300. This reckless, unfiltered energy is the rationale for ILLSAMGONGGONG.
‘wheres my money’ has notes of Saturation-era BROCKHAMPTON, which is to say I found it heavy on flexing, punchlines, and importantly, is an immediate earworm. ‘party all night’ finds 1300 in their K-pop bag, providing a light and bubbly EDM number that hits all the right notes. These two tracks show the breadth of what 1300 are capable of on this record.
A staple in 1300’s discography is seamless bilingual delivery of burstfire verses. The music isn’t concerned with language barriers, with tracks like ‘BRAVE’ and ‘clear out the room’ carried by livewire production and rhythm anyone can get with on the dancefloor. This natural and confident blend of language is a source of pride for 1300, which continues with South Korean artists GIRIBOY, Kim Ximya, DKAY and CHANGMO all making notable appearances on their respective tracks.
1300 have chemistry only a deep brotherhood could birth. DALI, goyo, rako tap in and out, making their mark on all 13 tracks, which goes to show how in sync the trio are on the mic. Where other boy bands may have tracks spotlighting one member, 1300 are all-present, while they deliver their dance manifesto. The mosaic of sounds throughout this album reflects the tastes of the five members. House, boom bap, rave, rock, K-Pop and R&B. It also showcases the versatility of producers Nerdie and pokari, who confidently juggle these sounds.
The fun, confident studio environment nurtured by 1300 bled into their performances. There’s no reason why a line as straightforward as “vintage japanese denim” should be so stuck in my head, but that's the case for a lot of the boy band’s lyrics, especially on ‘WHISTLE’, co-produced by NEZ, of Schoolboy Q’s “Man of the Year” fame. And I know the car is Japanese, but referencing a Mitsubishi Lancer feels like true Australian culture.
The track simply titled ‘MUSIC’ is a highlight amongst an already enjoyable ride. The explosiveness of the breakbeat and sample-driven production allows for a cathartic release before shifting gears on the album’s indie rock closer ‘sick’. Ending the album singing off-key in unison, like karaoke with your closest friends, is a fitting way to wrap things up.
ILLSAMGONGGONG is both a stunning debut album and a high-spirited return to the scene from 1300. For a Boy band on the cusp of taking their music international, they’ve equipped themselves with a roadworthy arsenal of bangers.
ILLSAMGONGGONG is out now via Universal Music Korea.
