The South Korean rock group Rolling Quartz, on their second U.S. tour, made stops in El Paso, Texas, and Albuquerque, New Mexcio, this week. They have made a name for themselves in South Korea, where they started in 2019 performing in clubs around the Hongdae region of Seoul. They kept their momentum going in 2020 during the COVID pandemic by using social media, getting their name and music out to their fans. They became so popular in South Korea they released the singles in 2020, “Random” and “Blaze.” These are two killer beats that fans request to hear them all the time. They released, in 2022, their first album, titled Fighting, which in 2022 made it to the top five U.S. rock albums on iTunes—the first time a Korean indie band to make it on that list. Then in 2024, they released their second album, Victory.   

On my way to the El Paso, Texas, show, I encountered a sandstorm—a typical occurrence this time of year in this area. I got to the venue minutes after the show was over. I did get a quick picture of the band—thank you to the tour manager and girls for the quick pose. Then I promptly contacted my representative to see if I could get access to their Albuquerque show the following night. So, the next day I traveled to Albuquerque way early so that I was there for the concert. If I may say so, it was worth the time and drive as these girls put on an amazing show from the moment they took the stage. They started out the night with the intro to “The Star-Spangle Banner,” as they do at all their U.S. tour shows. Then they rolled into a killer performance full of energy with “Kickstart my Heart,” a Motley Crue cover, followed by “Higher” from their Fighting album. After a quick introduction of the band members, Ja Young, lead vocalist, belts out their hit song “Blaze,” bringing the crowd to a steamy blaze of cheers and shouting. The band just kept playing songs like “Rock N Roll Paradise” and Lady Gag’s “Bad Romance.” They also performed their fans favorites, “Holler,” “Fearless,” and “RE.BOLD.” This band just keeps bringing it to the stage with tireless energy 

Rolling Quartz was a blast to capture and listen to at the tiny little Jazz Spot club in the heart of the entertainment district of Albuquerque. The Jazz Spot has some promising future with great lighting and sound and perfect location. Even while I was walking to my car, parked in the garage behind the venue, I could still hear the band playing—the back door of open and you could see the lights, just not the stage. A good crowd and fun time—let’s hope that Rolling Quartz has such a successful U.S. and Canada tour that they come back to the Southwest next year. 

If you want to follow them on social media and listen to more of their music, purchase CD’s, albums and merch all these links will take you there. 

https://www.rollingquartz.live

https://www.facebook.com/bandrollingquartz

https://www.instagram.com/rolling_quartz/?hl=en