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Colorful Sounds: Indonesian musical standouts from March
Whether it is veteran groups making a comeback, or younger artists taking risks and evolving their sound, the month of March is not short of Indonesian musical talent
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Pop music: Rahara's 'Bilamana' is a throwback to Indonesia’s 90s and 2000s pop hits. (Courtesy of Rahara) (Courtesy of Rahara/Courtesy of Rahara)
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em>Whether it is veteran groups making a comeback, or younger artists taking risks and evolving their sound, the month of March is not short of Indonesian musical talent.
From social satire-laden folk music, Quran verse-inspired synth-rock to throwback-to-the-90’s Indonesian pop hits, here are some new tunes to enjoy this month.
Jason Ranti — ‘Sabda Tiang Listrik’
After three years away, Jakarta singer-songwriter Jason Ranti is back with a new album, and it is evident that he has not lost a beat. “Sabda Tiang Listrik” (Order of the power pole) is a classic folk tune in the vein of Iwan Fals or early Bob Dylan, with Jason accompanied only by acoustic guitar — and a harmonica solo! Full of humorous political and social satire and witty Indonesian pop culture references, “Sabda Tiang Listrik” entertainingly reminds us not to be conceited, because there is always someone better. Look no further than the opening verse, which in Indonesian says, “Hey people / don’t be arrogant if you can / remember that above the sky / there’s Mr. Luhut / and above Luhut / there’s his wife.” (Yes, that’s a reference to Luhur Binsar Pandjaitan, Indonesia’s current Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment minister).
Girl and Her Bad Mood — ‘Fallingout’
Released by Haum Entertainment, Malang’s Girl and Her Bad Mood’s new single “Fallingout” has all the elements of a good pop song: it is sweet, full of catchy melodies and does not overstay its welcome. But despite its upbeat nature, the guitar-driven tune is unmistakably melancholy, as vocalist Jane Maura sings about the passionate feelings that young romance brings, while lamenting the time when the relationship is over. Those looking for indie rock that brings out “the feels”, check this one out.
Pamungkas — ‘Trust Me With This (Mama)’
On “Trust Me With This (Mama),” one of Indonesia’s most popular artists over the past few years, Pamungkas, leaves his piano and usual big production and goes for a more intimate acoustic guitar number, which at times sounds borderline Americana, if not for the John Mayer-esque funk-blues guitar solo. Surprisingly, it works well with Pamungkas’ introspective delivery as he asks for his mom’s blessing to chase after his dreams (“I’m ready for the big game now / think it’s time for the real world now”) before coming back to her (“Trust me with this / I know I’d give you the moon”).
Rekah — ‘Kereta Terakhir Dari Palmerah’
The repetitive nature of the commuter routine may feel suppressive, especially if it leaves you no time for anything else. Post-hardcore/screamo outfit Rekah tackles this issue on “Kereta Terakhir Dari Palmerah” (The last train from Palmerah), as guest vocalist Areispine Dymussaga Miraviori laments in Indonesian the fate of office workers “There’s no time to be reckless / life consumed by deadlines / when can I go home?”. Musically, on “Kereta Terakhir Dari Palmerah” Rekah eschews its heavier sound for a more accessible, dream pop approach, with the song features more clean singing than screaming.
Endo — ‘Lontar’
One half of Bandung’s hip-hop duo Juggermouth, Luo Endo has just released his 90’s rap-inspired debut solo single titled “Lontar” (Eject). Written by Herry “Ucok” Sutresna of the iconic group Homicide and Bars of Death, “Lontar” is a more subdued affair compared with Juggermouth’s more in-your-face delivery. However, that is not to say that the track does not bite, as Endo’s braggadocio affair dishes out some scathing lines on the country’s religious extreme fanaticism (“Take out a loan for a lot in heaven for the price of figure fanaticism / with the militancy of a full-pledging K-pop army”) and those with ignorant attitudes (“Hot-headed like a former thug drunk on dogmas / arrogant like the accomplices of the New Order”).
Rahara — ‘Bilamana’
A throwback to Indonesia’s 90s and 2000s hits, “Bilamana” (When) captures the era’s greatest tropes: simple pop music with a monstrously catchy, karaoke-worthy chorus that gets stuck in your head. Inspired by the stories of difficult long-distance relationships during the pandemic, Rahara’s “Bilamana” is a soundtrack for those who love ballads and crave for a song they can sing together with their parents.
Mantra Vutura — ‘Tabir’
“Tabir” (partition or separator) marks a new direction for Jakarta-based electronic duo Mantra Vutura. Previously more comfortable dabbling in instrumental-dance numbers, in “Tabir,” Mantra Vutura delivers a synth-rock number, featuring full vocals with pop and jazz-fusion elements thrown in. Influenced by the Quran verse Al-Baqarah:30. “Tabir” has the duo asking the old-age question to God about the nature of man and why bad things happen in the world.
Bedchamber — ‘Tired Eyes’
Mostly in their mid-to-late 20s, indie-pop outfit Bedchamber dreads the thought of getting older and spending their youth working overtime night after night and not really getting anywhere. As a result, on “Tired Eyes,” the indie-pop four-piece sounds a tad darker, with a more prominent post-punk sound thanks to its thick, overdriven bass, jittery dissonant guitar as well as some synth. The jangly guitars and the soaring melodies are still there, but the band wants that show that it can rock out as well.
Sore — ‘Rosa’
Two decades since they started out, Jakarta-based cinematic pop group Sore still has not run out of juice. On “Rosa”, a new single off its upcoming fourth album, Sore delivers an upbeat, groovy pop number that highlights its Latin America-inspired percussion without sacrificing melodies. An anagram of the band’s name, “Rosa” tells of the band’s struggle to put on a happy face in front of the public despite actually being tired and broken.
