♫Is this Disco or Not? KARDI’s “Not But Disco” – A Revolutionary Fusion of Geomungo and Groove[Kmusic]
Is this disco—or is it KARDI? The track I’m introducing today is “Not But Disco,” a song that reinterprets disco through KARDI’s unmistakable style.
While it shows a slightly different side from KARDI’s earlier sound, their signature identity is still very much intact. Built on a classic disco groove, the track is elevated by Park Da-ul’s geomungo performance, creating a uniquely captivating and unconventional atmosphere. It’s a song that’s simply fun to listen to—and one that leaves a strong impression.
❤The Story Behind
“Not But Disco” was created with the intention of bringing KARDI closer to a wider audience in a more lively and accessible way. Interestingly, the song was originally set aside for a full-length album, but the band decided to release it earlier, feeling it perfectly matched the energy of summer.
One of the most intriguing aspects is the double meaning behind the title. By posing the question, “Is this disco, or not?” (“Not, But Disco”), the band expresses their desire to break free from rigid genre boundaries and define excitement on their own terms.
Park Da-ul, who plays the traditional Korean instrument geomungo, takes on a particularly fascinating role here. Disco is often seen as a distinctly Western genre, but KARDI flips that notion by using the percussive texture of the geomungo to create something that feels both deeply Korean and globally resonant. Just like the title suggests—it may be disco, or it may not be—the band refuses to be boxed into any single definition, carving out a genre entirely their own.
❤Artist Profile
Artist: KARDI
Line-up: Co-ed 4-member band (Kim Yeji – vocals, Hwang Rin – guitar, Park Da-ul – geomungo, Hwang In-gyu – bass)
Identity: A band that creates heart-pounding (“cardi”) sounds through unconventional instrument combinations
Key Career: One of the most experimental yet widely appealing acts to emerge from Superband 2
🎧 Sound & Vibe
The standout element of this track is undoubtedly Park Da-ul’s addictive geomungo riff. Although the overall structure is relatively simple, this distinctive riff transforms the song into a one-of-a-kind disco rock track unlike anything else out there.
Kim Yeji’s signature vocal style—unique, slightly laid-back, and almost languid at times—adds another layer of character, enhancing the song’s atmosphere. In the end, much like its title “Not, But Disco,” the track becomes a sound that resists being confined to a single genre—something only KARDI could create.
Not But Disco
Don't be afraid
Hey, don’t mind
That’s alright
Don’t you like it more?
Don't you wanna dance with me?
❤Cultural Impact & Moment
By breaking down genre boundaries, this track showcases a new spectrum of what K-bands can achieve. Rather than simply imitating the past in a retro style, it embodies a “newtro rock” approach—reinterpreting nostalgic elements through a modern lens, infused with KARDI’s own energy and identity.