Clik here to view.
Music That Feels Like Shelter in the Rain
Payung Teduh, whose melodic tunes and lead vocals evoke Indonesian pop of the 1950s and ’60s, released its debut album ‘Dunia Batas’ this year. (Photo courtesy of Ivy League Music) Jakarta-based band...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Djaksphere Combines Seasoned, Fresh Acts
This year’s Djakarta Artmosphere festival will feature an eclectic mix of garage rock, lounge and weirdo pop acts participating in unique collaborations with traditionally minded musicians. (Photo...
View Article‘Far From God’ Takes a Detour Into Pop, But It Still ‘Roxx’
As a pioneer of rock in Indonesia, Roxx always puts on energetic shows. And as its not-so-humble moniker suggests, Roxx is dependably rocking and technically able. Formed more than 20 years ago, the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
An Extended Play From a Playful Lyricist
Harlan Boer has been a music scene fixture for years, acting as a manager and label owner. (Photo courtesy of Harlan Boer) Having spent most of his life behind the stage curtains, Harlan Boer is ready...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The Experimental Sounds of Senyawa
Experimental duo Rully Shabara, left, and Wukir Suryadi of the Indonesian band Senyawa. The band features on the short film ‘Calling the New Gods,’ by Vincent Moon. (Photo courtesy of Senyawa) A couple...
View ArticleClik here to view.
One-Off Band Pandai Besi Should Go Further
Pendai Besi’s ‘Daur, Baur.’ (Photo courtesy of Pandai Besi) Here’s a novel concept. A band covers its own songs under a different name then records the songs at an iconic studio before releasing it to...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Frankenstone Trio Serves Up a Healthy Dose of Arena Chaos
The Frankenstone’s self-titled album. (Photo courtesy of The Frankenstone) Yogyakarta punk group The Frankenstone makes punk rock for arenas. In their newly released third album, the trio of...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The Young Liars Step Into Jakarta’s Spotlight
The Young Liars will release its debut album later this year. (Photo courtesy of The young Liars) While preparing for its first major showcase, Jakarta band The Young Liars have been busy making sure...
View ArticleAn Underground Music Alliance Rises to the Surface
Influential Indonesian music website Deathrockstar continues its tradition of promoting local talents to international audiences with its “Musik Aliance” series, a digital compilation that is...
View ArticleDivide Shines Bright in Solid ‘Sun, Moon, Truth’
In four short years, Jakarta-based band Divide has amassed a sizeable and dedicated fan base through its solid records and live shows. On its debut album, “The Sun, the Moon, and the Truth,” the sextet...
View ArticleIn the Holiday Mood With Breezy Summer in Vienna
A band confident enough to name itself Summer in Vienna had better be able to serve up a good amount of warmth, comfort and luxury. While their DIY background may not befit any kind of lavish...
View ArticleVague Keeps Music in Focus
With the impending release of their debut album next month, Jakarta rock trio Vague are gearing up for a promotional tour of clubs and cafes all over the country. Known as a solid live act, the band —...
View ArticlePolka Wars All Primed for Their New York Minute
June 26 was a day that the boys of Polka Wars will cherish for a long time. That was the day that Jakarta-based rock band received word they had won the Converse Rubber Tracks competition, which...
View ArticleEasy Sounds of Summer in Ever-Evolving Yogya Band’s Latest Album
Risky Summerbee & the Honeythief has moved far from its early psychedelic rock roots. On its latest album, “Pillow Talk,” the Yogyakarta band continues to dive deeper into the breezy pop-rock...
View ArticleBrand New Eyes Steps Out With Old Formula
Jakarta-based pop-rock band Brand New Eyes used to spend their time on- and offstage trying to be Paramore, the successful American pop punk band known for their many chart-topping hits and their mix...
View ArticleBedchamber Borrows Plenty in Debut
Jakarta-based band Bedchamber embodies today’s hip urban music scene. Hyper-aware dreaminess engulfed in low fidelity; the band’s moniker perfectly encapsulates its sound and aesthetic. By adopting the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
For The Brandals, a Muted Goodbye for Now
The Brandals played their last gig before an indefinite hiatus at the recent Sounds Fairs music festival. (Photo courtesy of The Brandals) During the Soundsfair music and art festival in Jakarta over...
View ArticleMarsh Kids Grow Up on Debut
On their debut record, “The Many Failings of Bugsy Moonblood,” Jakarta band Marsh Kids have nailed down their sound. Made up of members from other bands, the record feels engaged without the...
View ArticleNaif’s 19th Anniversary Artwork Project
“Naif’s 19th Anniversary Artwork Project” is a celebration of Jakarta-based band Naif’s longstanding career by their artistic peers, in the form of artwork inspired by the band. Organized by and held...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Whisperdesire, Back but Not Together
Jangle pop band whisperdesire returns with a self-title compilation album. (Photo courtesy of Nanaba Records) Formed in 2004, during the initial boom of Jakarta’s independent music scene, the jangle...
View Article
