HEAR: Band And Name Part Ways
SEBUAH NAMA SEBUAH CERITA
Peterpan
(SRC Records)
THIS marks a turning point in Peterpan’s career. After almost a decade in the industry with more than a million albums sold regionally, this Bandung (Indonesia)-based band is bidding farewell to its name Peterpan (due to copyright issues) through Sebuah Nama Sebuah Cerita.
The compilation album’s cover shows a red wing, signifying abandonment of the band’s name, while members are pictured in a museum.
This is indeed the best treat for Peterpan fans as the album consists of two discs with 30 tracks, including memorable hits such as Ada Apa Dengan Mu, Mungkin Nanti, Bintang Di Surga, Tak Bisa, their duet with the late and legendary Chrisye through Menunggumu …the list goes on.
Besides the band’s chart-topping hits, the album showcases three new tracks that might be a hint to fans of the possible sound of the band in the future.
Tracks such as Walau Habis Terang and Kisah Cintaku show the band’s turn for dark and mellow compositions, similar with its previous album, Hari Yang Cerah.
This album sums up the band’s journey through the ups and downs of the music industry.
This is indeed a must-have.
Selected tracks: Ada Apa Dengan Mu, Ku Kata Dengan Indah, Menghapus Jejakmu, Topeng and Menunggumu
Rating:HHHH´
AKU DAN TUHANKU
Ungu
(SRC Records)
INDONESIANS produce countless albums celebrating the month of Ramadan and Syawal.
Ungu is among these prolific bands. With two successful spiritual-themed albums under their belt (the highly acclaimed Surgamu and Para Pencarimu), it is back with Aku dan Tuhanku.
Their first single, Dengan Nafasmu, is not the strongest track, fairly catchy. But it is the darker Cahaya Mu that is the winner.
The song strongly emphasises on the guitar play by Oncy, along with violinist Henry Lamiri. It is a well arranged track that it balances the usage of strings with Pasha’s vocals.
Doa Yang Terlupakan also proves to be another winner with a catchy melody. Ungu has done well, using simple yet profound lyrics with catchy rock melodies in spreading religious messages.
This is a nice alternative to the usual fare of nasyid songs.
Selected tracks: Cahaya Mu and Doa Yang Terlupakan
Rating:HHH
SOLITER
Irwansyah
(SRC Records)
HE is known for his roles in cheesy romantic flicks. Now he’s out with his first solo album. After a string of duet albums with his singing and acting partner Acha Septriasa, Irwansyah now flies solo.
As expected, Indonesian composer Melly Goeslaw serves as the main muscle behind the album, unusually titled Soliter for Irwansyah’s debut. It consists of 10 tracks written by Melly together with other well-known composers such as Opick, Dewiq, Alam Urbach and, surprisingly, Dodhy (of Kangen band).
It also benefits from the golden touch of Indonesian’s most sought-after arranger, Anton Hoed (Melly’s better half).
Packed with pop elements with a touch of R&B, songs such as Tak Cinta Lagi, Kutunggu Jandamu and Wajahmu are, funnily enough, melodically enjoyable.
Sad to say, Irwansyah’s performance is just so-so. There is hardly any wow factor where vocals are concerned and the nasal tone can be a tad irritating.
Selected tracks: Tak Cinta Lagi and Kutunggu Jandamu
Rating:HH
SALUT
Intan
(SRC Records)
WHO is Intan? That would probably be the first thing that springs to the listener’s mind.
The answer is pretty obvious. The 23-year-old lass from Jakarta is among the many young and hopeful singers hoping to make it big in Malaysia, although there isn’t much buzz about her except for her sweet girl-next-door looks.
Salut is Intan’s second effort in this 10-track album (seven of those are penned by her). Gubrak!!! is the first single, but unfortunately, it hardly leaves an impression.
With kiddie lyrics such as “tak sangka kamu playboy dengan wajahmu yang sangat standard”, listeners are likely to cringe or roll on the floor with laughter.
Even ballads such as Tak Mungkin Berpaling, Salut and Dilema hardly hit the mark. Listeners may take note of a track called Cinta, perhaps the most soothing song here which proves what Intan is all about.
Selected track: Cinta and Jauh
Rating:HH
New Straits Times