Reviews
Temarram : Dua Empat
Temarram's “Dua Empat” is a slow and drawn out piece that successfully captures the themes of introspection, meaningless and escapism – a welcomed modern take on the stylistic conventions set by their 80s new-wave influences.
Kenzo : Glass Box, Vol. 2
Conjuring vivid scenes of manholes and overcoats, Kenzo’s Glassbox Vol. 2 defies the brittle nature of its name. Unabashed and unconcerned with fragility, the project is reminiscent of a grimy city sprawl with streets ruled by crime. Just like the rumble of urban traffic, percussive samples, sirens, crunchy guitars and turntable scratches thrillingly weave in and out of its beatwork.
Heaven Affair : Something the Lord Made
Like a sucker punch out of nowhere, Heaven Affair’s latest leaves you only with exciting questions, knocked dizzy and looking for more with its final seconds. The Lord may be on their side for their next effort – but for what this time’s worth, there’s plenty of soul waiting to show for it.
Glyph Talk : No Music / Objection!
Wielding infectious nonchalance, Kolibri Rekords veterans and Indonesian art punk upstarts Glyph Talk thrill with their initial singles, No Music and Objection!.
Kanina : Heist Costs Money
With honest lyricism that deals with depression, anxiety and sexual identity, Kanina’s Ode to All Odds puts herself in the spotlight with its powerful songs of the modern world full of hard-hitting lyrics and tight atmospheric instrumentals.
Winona Dryver : Super Flower Scene
By paving new sonic horizons through looking back, Super Flower Scene reveals a path perhaps indicative for Winona Dryver’s way forward.
KAZZMIR : When It’s Done
KAZZMIR's best release so far – its stylings remind me of 80s rock staple Jane's Addiction, while the bassline reminds me of Jane's Addiction's fellow 80s contemporaries, Talk Talk.
Grrrl Gang : Honey, Baby
Honey, Baby is a jangle anthem that soars. Even when robbed of the opportunity to play at SXSW, Grrrl Gang ignore their bummer in Honey, Baby’s fun, lively absurdity.
Low Pink : Dominance
Following the release of his sophomore EP, we take a look at the progression Jakarta’s Low Pink takes in his music and journey – branding himself as Indonesia’s newest one-man psychedelic army. Join Big Duck as we bask in the psychedelic canvas that Low Pink paints for us in his latest release, Dominance.
Much : Skin By Skin
Much (no pun intended) like the sugar that it seems to portray, Skin By Skin dissolves upon closer examination, but still gets the job done with its comforting sweetness.
Murphy Radio : Autumn
Autumn sees the Murphy Radio bringing it back to their initial core sound and influences, flaunting technical skill while still remaining musical, and these guys knock it right out of the park.
The Upstairs : Matraman
A throwback review looking back to an Indonesian indie rock classic, The Upstairs’ Matraman!