[번역]Aussie music rocks downtown Seoul

It`s no secret that the Aussies and Kiwis throw the best parties. There`s something about that laidback, easy attitude that makes you automatically reach for the nearest beer and wonder where the barbeque is. So the chance to party the night away to live Aussie rock tunes right here in Seoul is definitely not one to be missed.

Enter L.R.D. and the Innocent Bystanders, the resident band in a little Itaewon bar called TimeOut. The four - Lance Reegan-Diehl, Megan Kim, Dave Dauberman and Tony Le Rhodes - are an energetic, versatile and highly entertaining group, with that rare ability to get you moving even if you`ve never heard the music they`re playing. After all, who knew that there was anything more to Aussie music than Kylie and INXS?

The inspiration for Aussie night just came out of nowhere, says Le Rhodes, the band`s token Australian and an original member of the Choirboys, a rock band "as quintessentially Australian as vegemite sandwiches," according to expat Kate Botton.

"I played a gig for ANZAC Day here in Seoul back in 2002 and it was fantastic - the crowd drank the entire top two bars of the Marriott dry," Le Rhodes recalled. "So we just thought it would be a good idea."

L.R.D.`s first Aussie night this April was such a success that the band decided to make it a regular event. Despite the start of the soccer World Cup, TimeOut was filled with revelers on a recent Saturday, all loving the music.

"I`ve been in Seoul five months and sometimes you just get a little homesick, so it`s nice to hear familiar songs," said Botton, enthusiastically cheering the band on.

Ben Brayshaw, a Sydneysider visiting for a few days, agreed. "We went to a few bars in Hongdae earlier and they were good, but it`s great to see a little Australiana in Seoul," he said.

On stage the band was in its element, pumping out a powerful AC/DC number. The song ended to a cacophony of appreciative shouts and whoops from the crowd, getting even louder as sexy lead singer Kim came back on to show off her rich voice with another catchy Aussie tune.

What was the title of the song? "I have no idea, but it`s Australian!" said Botton as she made her way back on to the dance floor.

Whether you`re Aussie or not, this is undoubtedly a great night out - a good band and a fun crowd in a refreshingly casual atmosphere. There`s another one in the planning, so check out ww.lrdmusic.com for updates.

As the band broke into "Run To Paradise," the Choirboys` best-known hit, Reegan-Diehl declared: "There`s nothin` wrong with a good party!" Too right.

(jillianong@heraldm.com)

By Jillian Ong