Reviews

He is a pioneer of truth and activism. He is an icon. He is modesty. He is the kind of talent that speaks in whispers. He is a glimmer of hope for music and for peace. He is a musician and he is Asian Man Records and Plea For Peace. He is an artist and a humanitarian. He lives his life in a way that would make most of us crumble in humility. He is Mike Park. It is an honor to be reviewing his record.
 
"Hangook" means "the country of Korea." Park, being of Korean descent, uses his music to explore his heritage its importance while touching upon various other subjects of equal magnitude. Mainly, his songs are about truth. His lyrics are simple yet profound and fell of a depth unbeknownst to all but one person; Mike Park.  His desperation for peace in the world is deafening while he delves into matters of this country as well as one an ocean away.  One of the more strikingly thoughtful tracks is "Asian Prodigy," an exploration into a stereotype that I assume has plagued Park's life. With lyrics like "I don't want to be a doctor/There are things I need to share/Can you treat me like a person?/I want you to love me/Sharing your love with me/Sorry I can't be your Asian prodigy," it sparks some insight a generalization that most people probably don't give much thought to. Overwhelmingly powerful songs like "North Hangook Falling," and "Korea Is So Far Away," are cultural pieces once again covering subjects that we as listeners normally wouldn't give too much thought to. "Dear Canada" is a song that features a lyrics I found to be particularly reflective: "How does it feel to be a neighbor of a country bound in chains?/Pounding the pavement are you ready for the war/I'm trusting you."
 
Every single song on this twelve song full length is breathtaking and worth listening to over and over again. "North Hangook Falling" is an intense record full of activism, heartfelt honesty and gentle acoustic melody. It's a reflection of the way one great man sees the world. Mike Park himself has done great things for the independent music scene. Without his dedication to music and appreciation for there may not be an Alkaline Trio, a Screeching Weasel, The Lawrence Arms or Plea For Peace for that matter. He deserves a thousand gold stars for his visions, his success and most of all, his own music. Unfortunately I only have five to give, but I'm giving them without a second thought.