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ewcomers on the music scene, The Trees and The Wild, may be one of the most promising acts in the local indie music this year, with their debut album being lauded by critics as one of the highlights of 2009.

The band -- consisting of Remedy Waloni (acoustic guitar/vocals), Iga Massardi (electric guitar) and Andra B. Kurniawan (acoustic guitar/bass) -- write acoustic-based songs, but incorporate them with many musical elements, that give their songs an epic quality.

The Trees and The Wild have just released their first debut called Rasuk, which translates as "possessed". Possessed, according to some dictionaries, is defined as domination of the mind, or having an overpowering influence on an idea or emotion.

Many say that Remedy's vocals have a strong characteristic and resemble John Mayer, a famous blues guitarist and vocalist. Remedy is backed by the sweet composition that Iga and Andra produce, which results in melodious tunes.

A Javanese melody is also featured in one of their songs. They write post-rockish arrangements, similar to those composed by the Icelandic band Sigur Ros.

The three-piece band usually perform with additional players for live sessions to make for a more grand performance, but unfortunately you just have to wait at least until the end of this year to watch them live. Remedy is now in New York pursuing his studies, and is scheduled to be back here in December.

So that leaves Iga and Andra to keep promoting their album through other means, like holding internet-based conference calls with their fans or tweeting their activities.

"The Trees and The Wild will continue promotions through the web. We'll also keep selling our merchandise," says Iga when asked what the two of them are doing during Remedy's time abroad.

Iga also says the band is planning to make their first music video and is preparing another showcase to be held when Remedy returns.

More about The Trees and The Wild at www.myspace.com/thetreesandthewild and twitter.com/ttatw

- Aditya Suharmoko