Scaller is ready for the big time. Although they have been together for many years, it is only in the past few months that the musical duo has been gaining momentum. Their brand of progressive-minded alternative rock has gained attention, but it is their live shows that are garnering the real-life couple, keyboardist-vocalist Stella Gareth and guitarist Reney Karamoy, a rising number of dedicated fans.

While their EP 1991, out in 2013, is their only physical release, fans of the Jakarta-based act can enjoy the more-recent free download singles they have put out through their website and social media pages. These singles include “A Song” and “The Youth”, both of which have turned into something of underground hits among fans of Jakarta’s more cutting-edge scene.

Not that the band is not eyeing the big time. While their name stands for “Simple Called Reverse”, there is still a strong forward momentum going on with their music and performances. Sonically ambitious and professional in execution, Stella and Reney (along with additional drummer Dhani Siahaan) put on the kind of celebratory shows which revolve around hearts-on-fire singalongs and explosive dynamics that are as impressive as they are spirited.

“Our creative process varies. Sometimes, Stella or I will each have ideas that we would then combine and expand on together. We would sometimes ask our drummer to jam on some beats, though we also often utilize drum machines,” explained Reney, who added that the music always comes first, with the lyrics stemming from the mood of the songs.

As the title of that first EP makes clear, Scaller has a particular interest in 1990s alternative rock. Stella’s vocals have been compared to Canadian rocker Alanis Morissette, and the music itself shows traces of particularly 1990s American alt-rock melodicism. That is a lazy comparison though; Scaller’s songs feature a good amount of complex arrangements, including shifting time-signatures and instrumental virtuosity (the band members are musically schooled), adding a prog-rock touch to their tracks. As such, there are clear references to math-minded Western rock acts such as the Battles and Deerhoof.

Three’s company: Scaller’s Reney Karamoy (from left to right) and Stella Gareth with drummer Dhani Siahaan. Courtesy of Revi.
COMING TOGETHER

The duo began playing music together in 2008, during their high school days, after meeting each other at a music class session. Reney was honing his instrument prowess, while Stella kept herself busy with the choir. Their attraction to music and similar interests brought them together, and after they graduated the pair started gigging by playing covers in various cafes around town.

It wasn’t until 2012 that Reney and Stella began writing and recording their own songs, with help from friends who contributed performances on drums and various instruments. Unfortunately, come release time, those friends weren’t able to help the band — now christened Scaller — perform the songs onstage. Fortunately, Reney ran into Dhani during his university days. The drummer was given a CD which he initially thought of as a reference, but it turned out to be the band’s finished EP. Impressed, Dhani was more than eager to help — and has stayed on as their live drummer ever since.

Also onboard was Gerard, an old friend who had just returned from studying abroad and became the band’s sound technician, both on and offstage. In fact, he has played a major part in the band’s widely-regarded live shows.

Their career has not always been easy. During those early years as a cafe act, Reney recalls how they went through every Spinal Tap scenario possible — from being told they were no longer playing minutes into their performance to major sound issues. Stella even remembers feeling dejected, although she is glad that their perseverance finally paid off. Hailed as the new band to watch by the local music media, Scaller’s shows have become steadily more crowded.

Reney says they try to infuse their personal perspectives on social issues through their lyrics, “whether implicitly or explicitly. So that the listeners can have their own interpretations”.

He agrees with the assessment that their lyrics evoke a sense of youthful fire, which comes out in the chant-filled nature of their songs and live shows.

Though there is no date yet set for their debut release, suffice to say that it is one of the most highly anticipated records to come out this year.

Promises Reney, “We’re about 60 percent done, and it will definitely be fun when everything is done. Something fresh is in the making!”