As you may have read in our interview with music afficionado David Tarigan, is looking to be the premiere Indonesian music archive. I have been getting into Indonesian music lately as well and I am happy to know that since August 17th (Indonesia's independence day, if you didn't know) The website still sports a modest catalogue and a couple of blogposts, but you can definitely see the potential of the site. All records liner notes are listed and all information can be cross-referenced, making your information digging very easy. Definitely keep this website on your "Favorites" tab, and look for additions to their growing library!
Not all musicians are brave enough to release their own album. Especially when the band consists of only one person doing the entire vocal, guitar, bass, drum, composing and programming himself. But Ababil Ashari answers the challenge and under the moniker Shorthand Phonetics, he recorded his new EP titled with only webcam microphone and computer. Originally consisting of five members, Shorthand Phonetics has now released six albums, eleven EP and few film scores. Released under the label of (owned by Ababil himself), this short EP consists of three lo-fi but catchy songs.
Shorthand Phonetics’ releases are a creative way of storytelling the life of a Japanese national, Hanabishi Hideaki. Presented in short, personal notes as if written by Hide himself, this EP depict his state of mind through the lyrics and tunes. The first song in the EP, ,features fun punk/rock feel with energetic drumbeats. The track list continues with a slow bass intro from , which then turns into frantic guitar strumming along with the synthesized vocal. The EP ends with a slower guitar-and-vocal only-song titled .
Despite being a one-man band and armed with only webcam microphone and computer, Shorthand Phonetics’ lo-fi recording manages to transfer the story of the music. If you are looking for good music to treat your ear, the EP is available for sale here and the physical CD is available here.
01. The Standard Model (Of Love)
02. Jumpin'
03. The Reconnection, or, How Things Kinda Worked Out for Jet Girl in the End (At Least She Still Has All Her Hair)
Being said as one of human’s biggest inspiration, it’s not at all hard to find love-themed music. One of the groups that take love as their inspiration is the Indonesian/Malaysian band, . These five Indonesian-born tied the knot as a band during their stay in Malaysia as college students and has released an EP titled The Modern Seasons at 2006 and their debut album, Losing Northern Lights around 2008. Earlier this year, they released their sophomore album, Colours of Joy, with a little help in distribution from Demajors who worked with many indie musicians such as Endah & Rhesa, Soulvibe, and Efek Rumah Kaca to name a few.
The album, consisting of 11 songs plus 1 bonus remix, portrays love in different angles from celebration of love in and to devastating post-breakup song like and . With acoustic guitar-piano combination, Lightcrafts brings calm feeling in but then shape-shifted it to a different vibe with the Crash & I’m A’s remix. A little Coldplay and Snow Patrol can also be felt here and there, such as in and . Overall, these 12 tracks are expressions of various love stories conveyed in euphonious tunes.
Although titled ‘Colours of Joy’, the album delivers a melancholic feel with their sentimental lyrics. The tracks in this album are definitely considerable to add to your playlist to accompany long road trips or gloomy Sunday.
Tracklist:
If you don’t mind
Amazing grace
This plastic love
Get your own way
Bonfire
The other side of the glass
Fire with fire
Starlit eyes
Love songs and lullabies
Living in words and letters
Hello goodbye
bonus track:
fire with fire (crash & I’m A remix)
For more information about Lightcraft:
www.facebook.com/lightcratmusic
www.soundcloud.com/lightcraft
www.twitter.com/lightcraftmusic
www.youtube.com/user/lightcraftvideos
www.vimeo.com/lightcraftmusic
Negative Lovers (formerly Denial) is a band quickly, if not already, getting attention of many independent music fans here in Indonesia. With a record that has been in the works for years now, it's great to finally see an official release from the group. What we have above is a music video featuring their song, Flooded Eye, which is released digitally via Picture in My Ear Records Bandcamp and (according to the description) and as a b-side to .38 Loves me.
The music feels a lot less abrasive on record than their high-frequency drenched live performances. With the low-ends & melodies becoming more apparent, the details of their compositions that are often submerged under the wave of noise are now visible, revealing rather elaborate arrangements. A treat to the ear (and for the colorful video a treat to the eyes), be sure to give the group a listen and purchase their music via the link below.
