They're barely making waves in the mainstream market back home, but young rock outfit Phone Booth, one of the three South Korean bands playing at the sixth Fat Festival in Muang Thong Thani last weekend, whipped up a respectable sea of frenzy with their fiery set.

The band, featuring Hong Gwang-Sun on vocals, guitarists Kim Tae-Woo and Lee Sang-Min, Park Han on bass and drummer Choi Min-Seuk, rocked crowds at the Hell stage with tracks from their self-titled debut album, including a number called "Cellphone".

"It matches our name," explains Hong.

Their sound is reminiscent of British rock outfit Oasis, with hints of the Beatles, Strokes, the Who, Kula Shaker and the Stone Roses.

It's a comparison that doesn't displease the band.

"Yes, we're rock 'n' roll like the Beatles, but the Beatles of this era," he says.

As this is their first time playing in front of a Thai crowd, do they find any major differences between Thai and South Korean audiences?

"They're very different. There wasn't any excitement when we came out on stage. In Korea everyone screams," says Hong, sounding disappointed.

"But we would like Thai people to get to know us and to develop a Thai-Korean bond."

Over the last couple of years, Thai teens have been going wild over South Korean pop sensations                Dong Bang Shin Gi, Super Junior and Rain.

Phone Booth is the Kingdom's first introduction to rock from Seoul.

Why is the band finding it hard to break through to the big time back home?

"We need to make a lot more money then have plastic surgery to be better looking. Koreans today only like handsome guys," replies Hong with more than a touch of rancour.

Boy bands like Dong Bang Shin Gi receive government support as part of the nation's drive to export its popular culture.

Can rock bands like Phone Booth expect similar support?

"It isn't a big deal for us," he says.

"It doesn't mean that the government doesn't support us, but it isn't our time.

We are waiting for our day to come."

Hong says Seoul's indie rock scene is thriving with several bands releasing albums on underground labels.

"We're the best, though," he adds.

After the festival, the band was planning on staying in the Kingdom for another week before flying home to continue a busy schedule of club gigs.

"We'd like to ride elephants and see some of your famous ladyboy shows," he says.

Kitchana Lersakvanitchakul

The Nation