J-rocks members are: (from left to right) Iman, Wima, Anton and Sony. (Courtesy of J-rocks Management)

Diverging from its pop-rock roots, J-rocks returns with a preppy look and an album that ventures into more popular genres. They say that's what comes with age.

This year, the four-piece band is celebrating a decade in music. To mark the milestone, J-rocks plans to do several projects as a sign of gratitude to faithful fans and general music listeners.

Maintaining their long-time line-up'vocalist-guitarist Iman Taufik Rachman, guitarist Sony Ismail Robbayani, bassist Swara 'Wima' Wimayoga and drummer Anton Rudi Kelces'the band will celebrate its anniversary through several occasions.

'First, we will launch a book titled 'Untuk Bintangku' [For My Stars]. Then, we'll release our fourth full album and on top of that, we'll organize a solo concert in Malang, East Java,' said Wima, who looks to Tetsuya, Japan's L'Arc-en-Ciel's bassist, for his musical style.

The book and the new album, Fly Away, are set for release on Oct. 19, while the concert is scheduled to take place on Nov. 16.

J-rocks, which rose to fame by winning a music competition in 2004, has achieved much over the past 10 years.

The band was the first Indonesian band to record at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London, England, when J-rocks recorded its EP album, Road to Abbey, in 2008. The Beatles, Pink Floyd and Radiohead all recorded at Abbey Road.

J-rocks earned the golden opportunity after winning the best band title at a rock concert in 2008 for presenting an inspiring performance. At the event, the members of J-rocks meticulously planned their look by dressing up in costumes with batik motifs.

Back in its heyday, J-rocks enjoyed six platinum awards for selling 450,000 records of its debut album, Topeng Sahabat (Bestfriend's Mask), which was released in 2005.

The album is known for hit singles such as 'Lepaskan Diriku' (Release Me) and 'Ceria' (Cheerful), which carried a Japanese animation musical ambience.

Spirit, the second album, was released in 2007, with its popular song 'Kau Curi Lagi' (You Stole It Again).

The record, which contains five songs and was released in 2009, was awarded a platinum certificate after selling 75,000 copies. The Abbey Road-made album had 'Falling in Love' as the hit single.

J-rocks wants to share its best moments with people, so the band itself prepared the book.

'There's been so much going on over the past 10 years. We hope those who read the book will learn something from us,' said Anton, a big fan of Green Day's drummer Tre Cool.

The planned 125-page book will comprise 60 percent pictures and 40 percent stories. The band claimed the stories, such as how the members felt when they won competitions and when they recorded the mini album at Abbey Road, had never before been revealed.

J-rocks promised that the new record, which will consist of 10 new songs with 'Fly Away' as the first single, would bring a fresh nuance to the band's sound, especially when compared with the band's previous albums.

'Through the years, each of us have listened and experienced various kinds of music and genres. The new album will wrap-up the whole experience,' said Iman, whose favorite musicians are guitar gods Jimi Hendrix and Yngwie Malmsteen.

The band said the new album would carry electronic, dance, orchestral and even rap nuances. Composer Andi Rianto and DJ Riri are some famous names involved in the album production.

J-rocks is also noted for its fashion sense.

The band, which was initially known for a heavy Japanese music and fashion influence, now looks comfy with its new swift and preppy fashion style ' with slick colorful suits and all.

J-rocks has officially bid farewell to its previous Japanese Harajuku street fashion style.

'Our fashion has changed because, basically, we're fond of transformation,' said Iman. 'It adds to the fun. We took the previous fashion concept and we had fun. Now, it's a new day with a new style ' plus it avoids us being visually dull.'

J-rocks has two fashion designers to keep the band attuned to fashion trends. The band members, who used to have upright hair dos with typical hit-and-run Japanese Harajuku clothing, are now more into a smooth fusion of European and Asian flair.

'We've ended up with the preppy look because we're no longer young,' said Sonny with a laugh.

'I think it also accentuates our maturity. Personally, it's my first time wearing a three-layer outfit with pointy shoes. But, hey, let's just give it a try,' added Sonny, who was also a fan of prominent guitarists Paul Gilbert, Andy Timmons and Steve Vai.

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