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Colorful sounds: This year’s Indonesian musical standouts
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Experimental: Bandung metallic hardcore band Prejudize has diversified its sound by an adding eerie ambient intro and black metal-esque breakdown to its recent release "Coward". (Courtesy of Prejudize) (Courtesy of Prejudize/Courtesy of Prejudize)
W
hether it’s a fresh remake of an old pop classic or young groups trying to push into new sonic territories, the country’s musical talent has been on full display in the early months of this year.
From traditional percussion-infused electronic music, to melancholic, soulful R&B, to face-melting grindcore, here are some new Indonesian tunes for you to enjoy.
Uwalmassa – ‘Majuh’
For the past five years, Jakarta-based independent label Divisi62 has been putting out some of the most interesting experimental electronic music from the capital. In “Majuh” (voracious), Uwalmassa — the label’s primary music collective — seeks to push the definition of dance music forward. Marrying synthetic bass stabs with a wide array of traditional percussion, the track slowly evolves into a disorienting, hypnotic groove with astounding layers of detail that make you feel like there’s a private music ensemble in your room.
Rasvan Kikoo – ‘I’m Home’ (feat. Peter End)
In “I’m Home”, Surabayan-Makassarese duo Rasvan Kikoo sing about what they call “the true meaning of home”. A throwback to old 70’s R&B and soul but with modern production, “I’m Home” is both sexy and melancholy at the same time, thanks to Kikoo’s smooth, sultry vocals and Rasvan’s immaculate jazzy guitar lines. As the song flies forward, rapper Peter End adds a bit of grit to bring the song home.
