Artist: Soulvibe
Album: Soulvibe
Label: Demajors / GOWA
Rating: *** out of *****
Standout Tracks: "Your Smile", "No More", "Warna Cinta"
Soulvibe is a new pop-soul-funk band from Indonesia who are attempting to be more than just a local band. The cool-looking group's effort to sing songs in English must be applauded as the genre fits their language nicely. If you dig Maliq & D'essentials, chances are you will like Soulvibe's easy-going music.
The band posted on their MySpace page that their influences included "all good music", and that they sound like Universal Love. There is a trace of acid jazz in the way the group interact with each other.
Soulvibe's members are Abenk, Bayu, Handy, Caesar, Frans, Rio and Asa. Most bands that perform this type of music usually consist of around seven members, so it could be a lucky number for them.
The album begins with "Your Smile", which combines lyrics in Bahasa Indonesia and English. There are no awkward moments in the track, and the band seems to have suitable confidence in its singers.
"No More" is a sad piece that shows that the band can produce a heartbreaking tune -- not just the regular fun-loving pop songs.
"Warna Cinta" is enjoyable for its reverberating funky synth sound.
"Biarlah (Hapuslah Cinta)" ends the CD nicely, as its sad lyrics layered with cool acoustic strumming leave listeners craving for more.
As a newcomer, Soulvibe doesn't disappoint. Your stereo will love their top notch sound production and tight musical performances.
However many of their songs on this album lack character and originality which they will need to address if they are aiming to stand out on the international stage.
Several of the songs sound almost identical to the next, whether in their melody, harmony or beat arrangements.
Missing here are memorable hooks and an ability to carry listeners to places they had yet to imagine.
In their next effort, Soulvibe need to be more daring with their songwriting craft. The band is promising, so they should not blow it.
--Alvin Darlanika Soedarjo
