To complete our Kaleidoscope lists, we made a special list ’Local Album of The Year’ and gave you some reason why you should love them.

Frau – Happy Coda

Why we love this album: An orchestra of Frau’s sole vocal and her piano, the intertwining combination forms a strong characteristic. Whenever we heard her music, we just know it’s her. Happy Coda consists of eight tracks, in which if we try to make analogy, is like a recently grown-up woman telling bedtime stories based on her life experience. She shared the emotion of the story in such an intense yet graceful way, and gets us carried away until we sleep.
Our favourite pick: Water

Maliq & D’Essentials – Sriwedari

Why we love this album: What’s not to love? Their skill to create music is undoubtedly. They put lot of colour and power in this eight tracks album, From jazz to dangdut
Our favourite pick: Drama Romantika

Pandai Besi – Daur, Baur

Why we love this album: Pandai Besi is Efek Rumah Kaca’s alternate universe. Eventhough they’re just revamping ERK’s old numbers, they managed to create this significant distinction from the original version. Female background vocal from Nastasha and Irma adds an eerie-point to most of the songs. A good kind of eerie, fleeting beautifully with Cholil’s vocals and the trumpets. The arrangement gives more space for the instruments to show off their harmonious intricacy. It excites you with all the new details while you can still feel the sense of familiarity as you vaguely trace the original notes.
Our favourite pick: Menjadi Indonesia

Raisa – Heart to Heart

Why we love this album: Like many musician in this generation, Raisa has put a lot of effort for her latest album. She poured her heart out, she wrote some song by herself. The harmonious music suits her hauntingly beautiful voice.
Our favourite pick: Hari Bahagia

The S.I.G.I.T. – Detourn

Why we love this album: The record greeted us with haunted sound that can gives you goose bumps, then they rough it up with up beat and powerful guitar riff. The S.I.G.I.T. didn’t waste the seven years to just make an ordinary album, they mixed every kind of tunes that can create one mighty album.
Our favourite pick: Conundrum

SemakBelukar – SemakBelukar

Why we love this album: Crunchy percussion beat, sautéed with exquisite sound of accordion, and elegantly garnished with meaningful lyrics, makes SemakBelukar’s self titled album as one of the best album that everyone should put on their Album of The Year list.
Our favourite pick: Kalimat Satu

Sore – Sorealist

Why we love this album: Three songs that means a lot. Marking their comeback, it tells the fans that SORE is still alive and ready to get back in the field. And their single “Ssst…” is just incredibly refreshing.
Our favourite pick: Ssst…

Tulus — Tulus

Why we love this album: With the song “Sewindu” airing on major radio stations, this is the year where Tulus had his career catapulted. A rising star, as what most media says.The jazzy singer wins most hearts with his tender baritone voice, catchy tunes, and the heart-melting lyrics. Tulus sings about love; a theme that will forever be related to mankind. You might think you have had enough love songs in this world that it all just becomes tacky, but not with this one. The sincere poetical lyrics woven to swing-able tunes have made this album easy to digest, and made its way to warm your heart.
Our favourite pick: Tuan Nona Kesepian

White Shoes and The Couples Company – Menyanyikan Lagu-Lagu Daerah

Why we love this album: White Shoes and the Couples Company is doing covers of some selected Indonesian folksongs. And boy, aren’t they catchy. It also broaden our knowledge about our very own country and its folksongs, which most of us have never heard. Indonesia has amazing local tribe tunes!
Our favourite pick: Tjangkurileung

[photo source: band's facebook page]

One of our most favourite things to do in 2013 is seeing a live show! Everyone has their own version of ‘The best concerts in 2013’, so we also have it. Unlike last year’s list (we only listed ten concerts in Indonesia), this year we also listed shows in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. In case you missed all of these shows, you still can catch some highlights that we had this year! Here is our “Concerts of The Year”!

10. The Cribs

What would you expect from an all out rock concert? Mosh-pits, wailing fans, blood and the undeniable alcohol would all fit in the ensemble. That it was, The Jarman brothers brought out their persona on stage during their Payola tour stop in Malaysia in a rawness that enthralled their fans, not shy of anything. Ranging from broken instruments to rowdy fan-boys barraging through barriers rummaging across the bands equipment. Everything you would list down to happen at a rock concert happened, not shy of anything. No filters to the band, making everything as real as possible to serve the ideology of the band, “We play every show like our last”. Undoubtedly ending their ‘Payola Tour’ with their highest grace, leaving an everlasting impression. With no filters, the entire experience to The Cribs Payola Tour definitely left a mark of excellence and to justify it as that, would be an understatement.

Venue : The Bee
Promoter : Upfront
Full Review : The Cribs Live in Kuala Lumpur

9. The Kooks (Road To Big Sounds Festival)

Luke (and the band) totally performed a good communicative skills to the crowd and his pampered dance. For song “Seaside”, he did an acoustic solo and followed by a crowd’s choir to the song, it was a pretty smooth move. Hugh Harris’s vocal also strongly shone and balanced the performance. The singing along’s session still much happening for the rest of the songs, especially for “How’d Ya Like That”, “Sway”, “Shine On”, and “Do You Wanna”. After performing “Do You Wanna”, the encore’s typical shout out was cheered massively, the crowd seemed still hungry since the band had not performed their hit songs from their previous albums. After shouting for a couple of times, the band returned to the stage again then played the riff of “Junk Of the Heart”. The crowd went into a jiggling-machine and bobbing their heads to the song. Without having a time to catch a breathe, the band played their hit-maker song, “Naïve”, which was the icing of the show. The Kooks totally nailed the night and they surely knew how to make it “big” for “Road To Big Sound Festival”. Despite the fact of the not so crowded, Road To Big Sound Festival has given us something what the young listeners have been waiting for a long time.

Venue : Tennis Indoor Senayan
Promoter : Dyandra Entertainment
Full Review : The Kooks, Delphic, and The Radio Dept : All In One for Jakarta!

8. Yeah Yeah Yeahs (Lovegarage 2013)

Yeah Yeah Yeahs! Not try to repeat the headliner’s name, but that was our straight expression after experiencing the band’s live set. Karen O, Nick Zinner, and Brian Chase had crushed the Lovegarage’s crowd into pieces. By the time Nick Zinner and Brian Chase stepped on to stage, the crowd exploded their throath and even became a huge explosive when Karen O, the super front woman, hopped in and screamed “Jakarta! – Indonesia! Yeah Yeah Yeahs!”. Karen O did the deepthroath to mic (literally), screamed, danced crazily, she did all of the craziest stage acts that a frontwoman would never do. When ‘Date With The Night’ was performed, we knew it’ll top any kind of stage acts that she did in the earlier set. it really put a cherry on top of their final act. Yeah Yeah Yeahs totally pulled the night off and shook Jakarta. Got a chance to witness Karen O’s stage act was something that worth it, since we knew the band almost made it to Jakarta on their “It’s Blitz” tour in 2010, but for some reason it didn’t happen.

Venue : EX Park
Promoter : Future 10 & Ismaya Live
Full Review : http://www.svanapaper.com/a-date-with-yeah-yeah-yeahs/

7. Mew (Guinness Arthur’s Day Jakarta)

The show was humble and down to earth. Without any trippy visual treatment on the screen, Mew put us into one of the best Saturday nights that anyone could have. Songs like ‘Special’, ‘ The Zookeeper’s Boy’, ‘Snow Brigade‘, ‘She Spider’, Am I Wry? No’, and ‘156’ had changed the venue into a karaoke party in a larger scale. For the encore, Mew had ‘Comforting Sounds’. The beautiful intro, deep meanings, and simply one of the best ballad songs from a prog-rock band to date, made the night into an epic closure. To make the moment calmer, some of the crowd (which we found out that they were Indonesian Frengers, the local fan base of Mew) blew soap-bubbles to the air, the gloomy and mellow mood quickly sprang as the songs fused in with the crowd’s emotion. The addition of confetti also gave a touch of dramatic ending. Without some trippy visuals that they used to have, they were still able to shine us out with their humble performance and a carefully-crafted setlist. It pulled everything together in an magical way. In short, Mew did beauty. It was definitely not Mew’s first time show in Indonesia, but no matter how often they’ll be here, it will always be the fans’ pleasure to welcome them back.

Venue : JIExpo Kemayoran
Promoter : Guinness ID
Full Review : Mew, One Republic, and Club 8 Dropped the Balls at GAD 2013

6. Tame Impala (Laneway Festival Singapore)

Photo by Dawn Chua c/o Chugg Entertainment

Tame Impala’s set at Singapore’s Laneway Festival 2013 was one of the most-anticipated set during the festival. At the time, Lonerism has just grabbed most of the music blog’s “album of the year” title. So that is why people were flocking at their stage, even before their set was even started. We’ve seen Tame Impala once before, but this time, they’re taking their game into the next level. They kicked the gig with “Solitude Is Bliss”, and it seems like the meadow’s green grass has elevated during the intro of the song. They played “Endors Toi”, “Elephant”, “Feels Like We’re Going Backwards”, and they closed the set with “Half Full Glass of Wine”. Even though Gotye was due to perform after them, most of the crowd had left the venue, with a joyous smile on their faces. Because Tame Impala has filled the crowd’s “Half Full Glass of Expectations”.

Venue : Garden By The Bay
Promoter : Laneway
Full Review :Soak Up The Sound At Laneway Festival 2013

5. Linkin Park

Mondays may not be a lot of people’s favourite, it’s the first day of the week and the mediocrity stains throughout the nine-to-five schedule. Yet the Monday on August 19th 2013 was a different story. There were approximately 20,000 people, of which 5000 of it travelled overseas just for this live event, waiting eagerly for the day to come. After precisely a decade for the legends to come back to the land of multi-ethnicity in South East Asia, Linkin Park exclusively came back to yet again amuse the audience. Linkin Park made their fans to sing till their lungs out as they performed their topnotch songs, such as ‘Faint’, ‘Given Up’ ,With You’, and ‘Somewhere I Belong’. Needless to say, Linkin Park live in Malaysia 2013 is among one of the best performances any band could ever deliver. The energy, the music, and the chemistry is one of those substance that can never be engineered as precisely and immaculately. Next time a Linkin Park concert comes play, even if you need to fly over to watch it, do it. The experience is worth the expense. We walked in the stadium as a fan, but walked out as a straight-up LP soldier.

Venue : Stadion Bukit Jalil
Promoter : The Wonderland +
Full Review : A Decade for an Encore: Linkin Park Live in Malaysia 2013

4. Blur (Big Sound Festival)

No one would forget what happened at Lapangan D Senayan on May 15th 2013. Especially if you’re a major fan of British music. Blur, one of the lineups for Big Sound Festival (BSF) made their fans’ surreal dreams come true. Blur jammed the nineteen songs just like it was their first time to pump the crowd, even though they have become wiser in age, they still know how to captivate these songs, sounding as great as how a legendary band should be. Witnessing Blur in Jakarta, where A-list bands don’t come too often, is another reason why you should be in for a whole lot of woe if you didn’t catch their live performance. We witnessed most of the crowd having glassy-eyed and even cried when the show ended. Knowing Blur also felt happy with the crowd has proved that Jakarta has one of the best crowd that the band have been performing to. Whether they will come back to Jakarta or not, they have dropped one hell of a good show. Let us all cross out ‘Blur’ from our ‘Artists That You Have To See Before You Die’ list.

Venue : Lapangan D Senayan
Promoter : Dyandra Entertainment
Full review : Big Sound Festival : A Surreal Dream Has Come True

3. Weezer

Photo by Agung Hartamurti / Deathrockstar.com

In November 2012, the rumour of Weezer’s show in Jakarta had been growing rapidly on the social media as Weezer posted “Jakarta!” on their facebook page. And finally, the rumour didn’t stay as a rumour, it came true!. On January 8th 2013, Weezer made their Jakarta debut. The set was pretty amazing and very captivating. With Rivers’ ability in entertaining the crowd (and his ability to speak in some Indonesian words) were getting a good credit. The concert itself was divided into two segments; The Greatest Hits and The Blue Album. When a break to the second part of the show, Karl Koch, the manager and long life buddy who have been with the band for about twenty one years put his slot of Weezer’s journey with a title “Karl’s Corner” which was the best supplement for Weezer’s avid fans of course. A great long set and the surprises put the fans into their very best moment of their life. By seeing how the band got a great feedback from the Indonesian Fans last night, we totally are sure that the band has found the second home and hoping they would be back soon for another show. As Rivers Cuomo said before he left the stage “Sampai Jumpa!”

Venue : Lapangan D Senayan
Promoters : Asia Live Entertainment, Marygops Studios, Blackrock Entertainment, and Star D Pro
Full Review : Weezer did a historical night in jakarta

2. Sigur Ros

Photo by irockumentary.com

Sigur ros have visited Singapore and Malaysia for their first time right 6 months before this Jakarta gig, and there are lots of Jakarta’s post rock aficionados who came to our neighboring countries and witness the beauty of Sigur Ros’ music. That’s the reason why this concert doesn’t drew the same attention to Jakarta’s Indie enthusiasts when the promoter and the band announced the gig date in January. But still, this is the band who is capable of producing one of the best melodies on Earth. So that’s why thousands of people came to Istora Senayan on May 10th, 2013. They opened the gig with a huge visualization and mesmerizing lighting setups. They played a setlists consists of some brand new tracks from their recent albums, Kveikur and Valtari, and some classics such as Hoppipolla, Olsen Olsen, Festival, and Saeglopur. They closed the gig with Popplagid followed with a long applause and satisfied smile from the attendance. That night, Sigur Ros have transformed Istora Senayan into a some kind of new, beautiful world that nobody’s ever dreamt of.

Venue : Istora Senayan Jakarta
Promoter : FLUX&PLAY

1. Metallica

Metallica’s show in Jakarta broke some of the records of Indonesia’s concerts. A couple of weeks before the show, people worried the terrible things that happened to the band’s show (in Jakarta) in 1993 would happen again, but thankfully it didn’t. With a very organized system from the promoters, the show, which took place at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, became one of the most successful (and also the biggest) concerts, which has been held in the last 10 years. Metallica blackened the stadium, they heated up the metal heads, and they definitely rocked the nation. Half of 20,000 festival class tickets were sold within few days after the ticket box opened. About 54,000 tickets were quoted on sale, more than half capacity of Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium. On August 25th 2013, People dressed in black, mostly wearing metal band t-shirts, were packing the venue since 2 pm. They came from all over the country to celebrate the ‘National Metal Day’ that day ames Hetfield, Kirk Hammet, Lars Ulrich and Robert Trujillo hit the stage with a bang and all of sudden screams were exploded to the open-air. Everybody was quiet yet amused. After they played some of their songs such as ‘Fuel’, ‘Ride The Lightning’, and ‘Kill ‘Em All’. then Hetfield said “Jakarta, do you feel it?? I know you see it, I know you hear it. But DO YOU FEEL IT? Now here, I know you know every word of the song… CYANIDE!” and the crowd exploded in shouts once more. Metallica never seems aged. They still had constant power and energy since they started the concert until its finish. That was probably the reason why we choose as our Concert of The year! They make other concerts in 2013 seems not so enthusing!

Venue: Gelora Bung Karno Stadium
Promoter: Blackrock Entertainment
Full Review: Metallica Live in Jakarta : It’s National Metal Day!

1. The Strypes

The Ireland-based band consist of Ross Farrelly (lead vocals/harmonica), Josh McClorey (lead guitar/vocals), Pete O’Hanlon (bass guitar/harmonica) and Evan Walsh (drums). After a year they formed the band, their career started emerging in April 2012 when they released their first EP, “Young, Gifted & Blue” (contains of blues cover work like Bo Didley’s “You Can’t Judge A Book By The Cover”), and the EP went to number 1 in theiTunes Blues Chart just a day after it’s released. On March 28th 2013, the band released their debut single “ Blue Collar Jane “. So far, the responses to their debut has been radically positive. Dave Grohl, Sir Elton John and Miles Kane are some of the big names who have turned into the Strypes’ listener. Seriously, do you think you have any reason to make you don’t like this band? N to the O.

2. Swim Deep

Swim Deep are an indie-rock band from Birmingham who were formed in 2011. The Birmingham boys are Austin Williams, Tom ‘Higgy’ Higgins, Zachary Robinson and Cavan McCarthy. In 2012, Swim Deep signed with Chess Club and released their debut single, ‘King City’. And in the end of 2012, the band went to Brussels to work with Charlie Hugall for their debut album, ‘Where the Heaven Are We’. Charlie Hugall is a British producer who has worked with Florence Welch, the Maccabees, Kaiser Chiefs, and many more. Swim Deep step in the year as the ones to watch, NME also put them on their ‘Best New Bands in 2013’ list. Just like how they describe the music, Swim Deep are more ‘Roll’ than ‘Rock’

3. HAIM

Americans must be obsessing over their pop culture, but this band, Haim (rhymes as “time”), lead into the music revolution in 2013. Haim consist of three sisters, Este, Danielle, and Alana Haim. The band have released two EPs, Forever and iTunes Festival : London 2012, three singles, Forever, Dont Save Me, and Failing, and one incredible debut album Days Are Gone. The band put some hip/hop, RnB, pop, and even folk (it’s pretty much seen as the girls are a huge fan of the Strokes and Danielle is a fan of Usher). Eventhough the iconic singer, Mick Jagger, said “Haim? Never heard of them” the sisters will be pretty much known soon since they were one of the lineups for SXSW. So far, they have accomplished in being nominated fopr MTV’s Brand New For 2013 and topped the BBC Sound Of 2013 (which they defeated great bands like Savages).

4. Palma Violets

If someone asked you a question about what bands that you should look out in 2013, the answer must be Palma Violets. Palma Violets, the band who graced to be on the front cover of “NME” has stolen the spot as one of the most exciting names in the industry. Palma Violets consist of bassist/vocalist Chilli Jesson, guitarist/vocalist Sam Fryer, keyboardist Peter Mayhew and drummer Will Doyle. “Best Of Friends” which is the band’s first ever single, get to be voted by NME as song of the year of 2012. Zane Lowe also listed the band’s track on his “Hottest Record in The World”. Palma Violets’ debut album “180” which also worked by Pulp’s Steve Mackey. And it peaked at number 11 on UK’s music chart.

5. Jagwar Ma

Hailing from down under, Jagwar Ma, got to be listed as NME’s Most Lookout Names in 2013. The duo who consist of Jono Ma and Gabriel Winterfield are bringing back brings the baggy music to the 2000s era. According to their Facebook page, Jagwar Ma got their influences in making music by Aphex Twin, Phil Spector,and Martin Hannett. In the early 2013, the duo were chosen to be one of the line-up for Big Day Out 2013’s side show. The duo are now with the label Future Classic ( which also has worked with Tensnake, Classix, Flight Facilities, and many more). Jagwar Ma’s debut album, Howlin, has given a prove that Sydney is a gold mine for a good music.

6. Peace

A quartet from Birmingham, Peace, came to the rescue a guitar-driven music in the UK! The band consists of brothers Harry (vocals, guitar) and Samuel Koisser (bass), Douglas Castle (guitar) and Dominic Boyce (drums). The band also made their debut performance for Glastonbury 2013. Their debut album, In Love, was produced by Jim Abbiss, the producer of Arctic Monkeys’s “Whatever People Say I Am….” And contained re-recorded version of 3 of their hits such as “Wraith”, “California Daze”, and of course, “Follow Baby”. Guardian and NME have listed them as “band to watch” and “purveyor of 2012’s catchiest song”. BBC have listed them in the “Sound of 2013” list.

7. Chvrches

The scottish electro-pop trio which were formed in 2011 consists of Lauren Mayberry (lead vocals, additional synthesizers and samplers), Iain Cook (synthesizers, guitar, bass, vocals), and Martin Doherty (synthesizers, samplers,vocals). The appearance of Chvrces surely is a fresh air of Glasgow’s music scene, and they set a high bar for some kick-ass accomplishments. The album The Bones of What You Believe contains of experimental sounds that will float you to the spaces. Stormed out from Glasgow music club to a bona-fide music festival, Chvrches are seriously in the game. The hype recognition which is reached in a quite short term doesn’t give a reason to the band as one of the one-hit wonders. It’s clear that Lauren, Iain, and Martin are ready to blast with another infectious tunes of Chvrches.

8. Lorde

This young girl named Lorde has a special something going on. At the age of sixteen she has bombed the music chart and make her way to the top. The New Zealander kitty has been talked about by well-known musicians for her abbility in writing songs. Her debut album, Pure Heroine, made herself a truly heroine. The album has a major variation of music, from darkwave to synth pop. To validate that she’s been making some real deal, her name is ready to battle with the other musicians as she gets nominated in Grammy Awards 2014. Yes, you heard that, the kitty is ready to roar her music. Louder.

9. MS MR

The New Yorker MS MR ( (Lizzie Plapinger and Max Hershenow) has made their own path for their music. The chillwave/glitch-pop/gloom rock tunes from MS MR will be easily received by Florence + The Machine’s fan or Lana Del Rey’s. The duo have released their E.P titled “Candy Bar Creep Show” on September 14 2012. And it was released via Tumblr. The ep consists of four tracks, they are “Bones”, “Hurricane”, “Dark Doo Woop”, and “Ash Tree Lane”. Their debut single “Hurricane” get good critics from the reviewers and complimented that the song has the enchanting vintage sound. The duo’s debut album, Secondhand Rapture, climbed to number for Billboard’s Top Heatseekers chart.

10. Parquet Courts

From the Big Apple comes a big talent, Parquet Courts. The band consist of Andrew Savage (guitar, vocals),Austin Brown (guitar,vocals), Max Savage (drums) and Sean Yeaton (bass). Parquet Courts originally released a full lenght album, Light Up Gold, in 2012. However, they re-released the album in 2013 with a larger label. It’s pretty clear that Parquet Courts represent the underdog culture, by seeing the band’s statement and their roots, they want to show the world the unseen space, the ugliness and the awkwardness that the world has avoided. Maybe Parquet Courts sound very typical for their very underground statement, but as we see deeper, this band is genuine.

We have spent the last eleven months by listening to a stack of music albums. To close the year, we’ve listed our ten best albums which definitely have put us to the cloud nine while listening to their musics.

10. Arcade Fire – Reflektor :

If only the albums was as good as ‘The Suburb’, we would put them sitting on the peak of the chart. But we didn’t say the album is bad. Reflektor still kicks it with some of the Suburbs’ rhythm, which we really love, and the album still has a strong rock roots with an intertwined of dark tunes. The lack of emotion from the album might take you a couple of times to really get the sense of Arcade Fire.

Recommended Track : Reflektor

9.Disclosure – Settle :

The band have been hailed for their dance music and given an outstanding call-out. ‘Settle’ is 100% a sugar land for a fan of Groove Armada or Artful Dodger. Knowing that ‘Settle’ is the duo’s debut album, we are blown with its content. What not to love! The album itself will give you the finest house music, 90’s electro and some modern dance music. Somehow, it also gives us a chill that their music is reflecting the era when Basement Jaxx were dominating the dance music industry.

Recommended Track : Disclosure ft. James Woon – January

8.Phoenix – Bankrupt! :

They have catapulted into the big leagues with “Wolfgang Amadeus…” The hardest task is to maintain their album quality and their popularity. Instead of making Wolfgang Amadeus part II, they’ve decided to make something different with their own touch. Layered thick synth flavored with heart-thumping drums and the way their vocalist Thomas Mars pronounce exotic words such as “Drakkar Noir” and “Oblique City”, that’s just the Phoenix way of maintaining their lovely status among their fans.

Recommended Track : Tryin’ to be cool

7. QOTSA – Like Clockwork :

Like Clockwork is the long awaited album from Queens of The Stone Age after their hiatus in 2009. In August 2012, Homme with his band mate began to record their sixth album. Like Clockwork is the first independent album from this California based band. However, it doesn’t shrink the musical quality, they still creates fantastic album from astounding songwriting, badass guitar riff in full effect, and not to mention the great musicians who collaborated with them such as Alex Turner, Jake Shears, Trent Reznor, James Lavelle, and Sir Elton John.

Recommended Track: If I Had a Tail

6. James Blake – Overgrown :

The second album of James Blake is unequivocally an amazing job. The album is being written beautifully with a nice touch of dub step, we really think James Blake is one of the most genuine artist who can describe dub step in a very classy way. The album also takes some hip/hop and soul music to make it classier. As a result, Overgrown has earned him a Mercury Prize and got him nominated for Grammy Awards 2014.

Recommended Track : Retrograded

5. Justin Timberlake – 20/20 :

The new king of pop, Justin Timberlake is bringing the sexy back again with 20/20 experience. His third solo album takes over the number one spot both in the UK and US charts, it has reached nearly a million in its first week sales. The former leader of the famous boyband *NSYNC is probably the only singer who can make a seven-minute track without making the listeners feel bored with his falsetto voice, groovy beats, and skillfully written lyrics. Nonetheless, 20/20 Experience cannot beat the massive success from Timberlake second album Future Sex/Love Sounds that helped him get four Grammys. It’s hard to keep the 21 years of experience in the right track, but we must say that Timberlake has successfully nailed it.

Recommended Track: Let The Groove Get In

4. Foals – Holy Fire :

Foals’ third album, “Holy Fire”, is a solid proof of their hardworking career. They could’ve easily followed their signature sound that they have created in “Antidotes” and “Total Life Forever”. But now, they were trying to capture the energy and improvement outside their comfort zone. Most new bands have copied Foals’ signature guitar sound but they’ve failed to reach the stage where the Oxford guys have reached. There’s a simple explanation, it is mainly because most of the bands don’t have the character and maturity that Foals gained in the past few years.

Recommended Track : My Number

3. VW – Modern Vampires of the City:

When the guys from Vampire Weekend said that their third album would be ‘darker’ from the first two that preceded it, they didn’t mention that it would sound better too. Vampire Weekend entered the music industry with the image of a group of preppy, young college graduates singing about (mostly) their days at the campus, but this year they had shown people that it’s not the only thing they’re good at. Modern Vampire Of The City is full of well-crafted, beautifully threaded tracks.

Recommended Track: Hannah Hunt

2.Daftpunk – Random Access Memory:

Random Access Memories was probably the most waited album of 2013. The excitement that was following its release was tremendous. Featuring collaborations with renowned musicians such as Giorgio Moroder, Julian Casablancas, and Pharell Williams, the album is filled with musical twists and turns. It’s also probably Daft Punk’s most personal work, what with them trying to maximize the use of natural sounds. Random Access Memories is a mix of disco, soft rock, and progressive rock, with some Broadway-style pop on the sides. With twenty years up their sleeves, it seems that the helmet-wearing duo have been getting better and better at what they do.

Recommended Track: Give Life Back to Music

1.Arctic Monkeys – AM :

Who The Fuck Are Arctic Monkeys is now an invalid question because, really, who doesn’t know Arctic Monkeys? Especially after their fifth album release which raised much raving reviews. The twelve tracks in AM have been threaded so perfectly that every aspect, from the guitar riffs to the glam-rock stomps, is simply irresistible. A wordsmith that Alex Turner is, the well-written imagery becomes highly seductive at no matter what pace. Slick slow-burning groove, infectious riff-rockers, a dash of R&B and hip-hop; genre no longer defines Arctic Monkeys as now they can make anykind of music and make it their sound.

Recommended Track: No.1 Party Anthem

2013 has come to an end. As we’re about to close the chapter of this year, we have compiled the highlights that we have been through in this amazing year. You might have missed some of the best concerts or you may need some recap about how great 2013 has been in the last eleven months. To grant your wish, we present you our annual kaleidoscope. For 2013 Kaleidoscope, we feature five categories ; Best Album, Comeback Kids, Best Newcomers, Concerts of the Year, and Local Albums of the Year.

For ‘Best Album’, we have listed ten best international albums. The list is originally compiled by our writers and we also have done some research to validate these ten albums to be put on the list. ‘Comeback Kids’ category is dedicated to the well-known musicians who finally made their way to the industry after having years of hiatus. The next category is ‘Best Newcomers’. Best Newcomers will have ten amazing new bands who have been nominated and dubbed as the ones to watch. Their presence has put another colour in the music scene, and they storm out with some unexpected achievements. ‘Concerts of the Year’ contains the list of the most memorable concerts that we caught in 2013. Unlike last year’s list which only listed concerts in Jakarta, this year will also have concerts in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. And the last category is ‘Local Albums of the year’. Just like its name, we will give you ten best Indonesian music albums that will blow your mind.

We are so excited to present you our 2013 Kaleidoscope, because the best things that happened in 2013 is in the bag!

(Illustration : Obin)

About the Illustrator :

Bina Nurrifri or mostly known as Obin is a A 20-years-old designer/illustrator. In her spare time, she tweets about Coldplay on @ColdplayID. She also takes charge in designing an apparel line, Knot. To see more of her work, please surf to her behance!

After we created a post on Buzzfeed people keep asking us why we didn’t put Tigapagi on that list. Well, this time we featured Tigapagi for this week’s Local Vocal. Tigapagi is a Bandung-based band consists of Sigit Pramudita, Eko Sakti, and Promadian Febrianto.

According to a biography on their website, they describe their band’s name Tigapagi was taken from such a view of one single point in time, when everything is about to begin in the moment when everything comes to an end. Tigapagi was born into the world after Sigit invited Eko and Prima to form a band in 2006. Seven years later, Tigapagi finally released their debut album ‘Roekmana’s Repertoire’ in 2013.

Roekmana’s Repertoire is a mix of classic and modern styles. Tigapagi is successfully partying Sundanese-keroncong with some touch of western. Sigit’s voice really suits the gentle strains of the guitars in ‘Alang-alang’, a single which released a week before the album. Some big names like Cholil Machmud from Efek Rumah Kaca, Ade Paloh from Sore, and Ajie from The Milo also helped Tigapagi to wrap this album. Not like any other indie bands that need process and time to adapt their music, Roekmana’s Repertoire will give you an amazing experience right when you listen the tracks.

Yes, we absolutely agree with you guys, Tigapagi is an incredible band that you should listen to.

Catch their performance at Joyland Festival 2013!

Upfront ends the year 2013 with exciting acts lined up for KL indie music lovers, starting in October : Ra Ra Riot from New York on 26th October, UK’s The Cribs on 11th November and Canadian multi-­‐instrumentalist and multimedia artist, Mac Demarco on 9th December.

The Cribs are an English three-­piece indie rock band originally from Wakefield, West Yorkshire. The band consists of twins Gary and Ryan Jarman and their younger brother Ross Jarman. They were subsequently joined by ex-­‐The Smiths and Modest Mouse guitarist Johnny Marr who was made a formal member of the group in 2008. Marr would remain as part of the band until

In 2008, Q magazine described the band as “The biggest cult band in the UK”. In 2012, the bands 10th anniversary year, they were honored with the ‘Spirit of Independence’ award at the annual Q Awards. Several months later, they received the prestigious ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music’ award at the annual NME Awards.

The Cribs :8pm, 11th November 2013, RM 98 ( presale ), RM 128 at The Bee, Publika

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at both outlets of The Bee in Publika and Jaya One and Rock Corner, Bangsar Village.

Upfront is a series of intimate live music shows created by The Bee to bring fans closer to their favourite bands on stage. As the name implies, it is as exclusive and up close as one can get during a live performance. Upfront will feature artists and bands from an eclectic range of genres, from the indie to the mainstream, establishing The Bee as a hub for the music and creative arts scene.

Music scene in Indonesia always has something to offer. If you get bored with the same tunes that people play over and over, you just have to dig in a little deeper to find what kind of tunes that you want. Let’s meet SEMAKBELUKAR, a Palembang-based band. While most of the current bands are influenced from western life style and being a cool-ass, in contrary, SEMAKBELUKAR are doing something different on their own. SEMAKBELUKAR elevates the level of ‘melayu’ tunes. However, theirs won’t be like those ‘melayu’ bands that you always see on Tv. SEMAKBELUKAR also completes their music with lyrics that have a wiseful meaning and most of their songs are inspired by Moslem’s Koran. 

It’s David Hersya, vocalist and frontman who leads Belukaria Orkestar. After releasing two mini albums in 2009, ‘Semoga Kita Mati Dalam Iman‘ dan ‘Mekar Mewangi‘, and followed by their EP, ‘Drohaka‘, in 2012. Now, they have returned with their latest single, entitled ‘Berlayar di Daratan‘ from their latest EP that will be released on October 22nd. With a one of a kind vocal, a flawless percussion, and a beautiful sound of accordion, SEMAKBELUKAR are ready to take the spotlight of Indonesian music scene.

Make haste, The Killers need no introduction as they opened their 90 minute set with the 03’ breakthrough, ‘Mr. Brightside’ jumping to recent times with “Spaceman”.  With an inauguration like this, crowd of thousands dwell in nostalgia jumping timelines along with their liberating performance. Showmanship is nothing foreign to this band from front liner, Brandon Flowers to drummer Ronnie Vannucci Jr. All dapper, all panache, Flowers introduces the band with the classic greet to the country as well as proclaiming “Kami Mat Rempit!” to get the crowd going followed by contrasting Malaysia’s national motto “Maju Dan Makmur” to Vegas’ iconic slogan “What happens in Vegas stays in vegas”. Definitely a crowd pleaser with his charms ideally making Flowers one of the most iconic leads in the era.

Picking back up the pace, Flowers went acoustic by making a short on “Human” prior to hitting covers from 80’s rock legends, ‘Shadowplay’from Joy Division and Tommy James & The Shondells ‘I Think Were Alone Now’.  The time machine experience jumping from era to era gave the concert the spice it needed. Coming back to the present with ‘Reasons Unknown’ crowds sang their online slots hearts content, impressing Flowers even at the love they have for the band. Undisputed crowd interaction was evident (really, Ronnie even threw drumsticks to the floor). Flowers shook the earth underneath as the empathetic chorus of ‘I”ve Got Soul But Im Not A Soldier’. Crowds of thousands belted at the top of their lungs to sing along to the hit just to shatter their glass with the band leaving the stage after (But wait!) to come back with a three-piece encore to blow the crowds minds starting with ‘Hot Fuss’s Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine’ to the song that the cool kids played on guitar hero ‘When You Were Young’ to close the night.

            Other than the lack of accentuation of guitarist Dave Keuning’s solos the gig definitely made a mark on the music scene in Malaysia making their gig one of the more notable ones in the year thus far. With live sounds that don’t stray far from the records it’s undeniable that The Killers are one of the best indie rock bands of the decade with tracks old or new, there’s no areas of grey in their established sound. (Zafran Aqil/Photos : FSA)

Seven years ago, there was a band from Sheffield flourished on every person ears. And then went to the heart. Arctic Monkeys, with their Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not, successfully captured moment. The time when “Mardy Bum” (“And I can’t be arsed to carry on in this debate/ That reoccurs, oh when you say I don’t care/ Well of course I do, yeah I clearly do!”) got stuck into my head, the time they still wore hoodie with long hair that shrouding their face plus knackered Converse.

Seven days ago, I felt the same feeling as seven years ago. AM, initial name for the band or anything you could use it to your own purpose. While Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not got by on wry smiles and witty mutterings, AM is upfront and bluntly engages with the listener. Arctic Monkeys’ influence (on British and American), has in large part been measured by Alex Turner’s talent for combining words into phrases. Much of the album’s true beauty reveals itself after multiple play – the sexy glimmering patterns of drum that Matt Helders provides, Jamie Cook screeching guitar riff, and interplay by Nick O’Malley bass.

Turner’s lyrics are still the tied knot that hold everything in place. Though their songs have always been characterized by inspired image and clever character. And that’s how they draw me in (again), with themes and lyrics that resonate across the soundscapes they create, and characters we recognize in ourselves, whether it’s the sweet-lasting-devotion on “Do I Wanna Know?” (“I‘m sorry to interrupt, I’m just constantly on the cusp of trying to kiss you/I don’t know if you feel the same as I do.”) or the hope-to-be-somebody-to-someone on “Snap Out Of It” (“Forever isn’t for everyone/ Is forever for you?/ It sounds like settling down or giving up/ But it don’t sound much like you girl.”).

Developments include a focus on falsetto on “I Want It All”, “One For The Road”, and “Knee Socks” thanks to Helders and O’Malley. Dr. Dre and Drake reference on “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?” with hip-hop melody to catch the attention. Classic rock synced with metal riffs and punctuated by big choruses on “R U Mine?” and “Arabella”. “Fireside” with evoking R&B girl groups and softening the edges voice of Turner’s crooning. As a big fan of Velvet Undergrounds, I found a happiness on “Mad Sounds”, it gets better when melody and swing powering up and aching ballads of “oh la la la” and the repetition.

The ironic centerpiece of “No. 1 Party Anthem” feels like the pinnacle of the band’s progress, gorgeous heart-melting balladry which takes the melancholic romanticism of “Cornerstone” and sounds like “Piledriver Waltz” with more mature attitudes. “The look of love – the rush of blood/ The “She’s with me” – the Gallic shrug” tells the loneliness and the hustle at once. Album closer, “I Wanna Be Yours” lyric adapted from John Cooper Clarke song with the same name. The poet tells me about expressing love with deepest or highest thought. Or as simple as “Maybe I just wanna be yours.”.

]]> http://www.svanapaper.com/the-pinnacle-of-arctic-monkeys-am/feed/ 0 http://www.svanapaper.com/veering-off-course-with-mgmts-mgmt-2/ http://www.svanapaper.com/veering-off-course-with-mgmts-mgmt-2/#comments Sun, 15 Sep 2013 16:03:36 +0000 Shafira Desliara http://www.svanapaper.com/?p=5049 The long wait is over. MGMT’s third studio album is officially released today. Of course,..]]>

The long wait is over. MGMT’s third studio album is officially released today.

Of course, for those of you who have streamed the full album through the band’s website, the wait has been over for more than a week. In case you missed it, MGMT offered a stream of the new album, the self-titled MGMT, on their website. It’s also accompanied by a visual treat called ‘The Optimizer.’

In their latest interview with the Los Angeles Times, published earlier this September, Benjamin Goldwasser himself admitted that this album sounds less and less pop than its predecessors. And you’ll find that he wasn’t exaggerating things. You can barely make out the chord progressions in each song. Everything is just so thick with layers.

The first track, Alien Days, is no stranger to us since it was released last April, even though having been listening to it for months doesn’t necessarily make the song sound any less odd and unconventional, because that’s just how MGMT do things. Front-man Andrew Vanwyngarden had explained the song as a feeling when “a parasitic alien is in your head, controlling things.” And it seems like it really is what the song does to you. The parasitic alien from the song has now taken hold of your subconscious to prepare and then navigates you as you listen to the rest of the album. The slightly spacey tune of Alien Days also gives you the illusion of taking off to deep space, setting off to the farthest end of the galaxy.

The reverberating Cool Song No. 2 is fuzz-toned and cryptic, while Your Life Is A Lie is no doubt going to be the sing-a-long anthem in the upcoming MGMT gigs. It’s a garage rock chuck, sounding like a jumbled, schizophrenic musical masterpiece. And then there’s Astro-Mancy with its smooth, tribal freak out.

While there’s not enough taste of psychedelia heaven in it, MGMT still has the lush, rich, and thoughtful electronic tone that distinct it from the typical chart-topper electronic music. It’s heavy with hallucinogenic vibe, resulting in the album sounding like a trippy, notional tune—a  different sound from MGMT’s most widely known hits like Time to Pretend or Kids (of which are psychedelic dance rock songs that are easier for the ears to listen). It’s a fact that would confuse the people who are still reeling over those two tracks, and get them all bummed out. But to fans of the band, whimsical and outlandish is how they identify the band as. They bask in the bizarreness of the music, sometimes even longing for more dose of odd and quaint.

MGMT is a genuine and well-thought-out quirkiness. It’s a masterpiece of the wacky, an acid-induced whizzing wonder; it’s how the psychedelic bands from the 60′s would probably have sounded like if they had the same technology and equipments as the ones  MGMT are presented with today. Unlike Oracular Spectacular and Congratulations, you can’t just pick out one song from MGMT and listen to it individually. You will have to listen to all of the tracks to even pick up on the abstract beauty of this album. Each song feels like a continuation from the other; it’s like reading a book—you’ll have to read all of the chapters to really get it.

]]> http://www.svanapaper.com/veering-off-course-with-mgmts-mgmt-2/feed/ 0 http://www.svanapaper.com/mercury-prize-2013-the-nominees-are-in/ http://www.svanapaper.com/mercury-prize-2013-the-nominees-are-in/#comments Fri, 13 Sep 2013 04:11:45 +0000 Alcander Alonzo http://www.svanapaper.com/?p=5027 On Wednesday (9/11), the Mercury Prize’s panel announced the full list for this year’s nominees...]]>

On Wednesday (9/11), the Mercury Prize’s panel announced the full list for this year’s nominees. The list consists of 12 best albums of British artists which have been scoring the market and the chart with its notable songs. The award is led by David Bowie’s comeback album, ‘The Next Day’, and followed by London’s post-punk newcomer, Savages. By the time when the list was revealed, medias started dropping a comment that this year’s nominees is a bit mainstream unlike the previous year. People have also predicted that David Bowie will be winning this year’s trophy ever since this is his first album after a decade. Speaking of first album, Savages will also steal the spotlight as their debut album, ‘Silence Yourself’, has been identified as the freshest work for post-punk music. So how the competition will be? We are doing some short review of the nominees’ albums to give you a short look on how Mercury Prize 2013 sounds like :

1. Arctic Monkeys – AM

Arctic Monkeys’ latest album is definitely a safe bet for this year’s Mercury Prize. The Sheffield quartet’s fifth album receives the best review among their previous albums. As the band starts producing the music in Los Angeles (with James Ford and Ross Orton as the producers), it somehow affects the band’s sounds. Alex Turner also has turned the wheel of his songwriting skill to a more blue-black and once again, sleeker. Just like what Matt Helders said on this album “the album we’ve always been wanting to make”, this is probably the one that the band are totally pouring their skills and influences in.

2. David Bowie – The Next Day

How does a legendary musician sound like when he is breaking a decade of silence with a surprise comeback? It’s as good as how he has to be. David Bowie’s 24th albums was secretly produced (that’s why it’s very surprising) in New York with a long time producer, Toni Visconti. The materials in ‘The Next Day’ are very bold, bright, and the lyrics are also one of his best work as a lyricist. Eventhough some people say that this comeback’s album has a flaw in it, we really think David Bowie has re-emerged his music, career, and also perfectly moulded. The 80’s power pop and rock ambiance of 60’s have summed up how one of the finest rockstarts on earth to bring the hype in.

3. Foals – Holy Fire

Should we call it a “Bang!” for the Oxford dudes’ work? Holy Fire is the band’s third studio album, and sometimes the third is the charm. And it is for Foals. ‘Holy Fire’ is without a doubt a very thoughtful work which is packaged in a very epic way. A wonderful comment on the band’s latest album is also thrown by BBC “The angular, spiky guitars of old have been joined by a altogether fuller, warmer sound. The album’s lead single, Inhaler, has a driving epic quality worthy of a stadium rock band.”

4. Laura Marling – Once I Was an Eagle

Laura Marling keeps stealing the attention and good critics for her music. Laura Marling has always been putting some unique intensity and her soul for her music. The credibility of her musical and songwriting skill have remarkbly put her name as the never ending ones to watch. The perfection is elevated with the collaboration of her and Ethan Johns for producing ‘Once I Was an Eagle’. It also reminds us that this is her third time for being nominated in Mercury Prize. But will she win it? Her consistency with an ambitious and expansive work will reveal it all.

5. Disclosure – Settle

The band have been hailed for their dance music and given an outstanding call-out. ‘Settle’ is 100% a sugar land for a fan of Groove Armada or Artful Dodger. Knowing that ‘Settle’ is the duo’s debut album, we are blown with its content. What not to love! The album itself will give you the finest house music, 90’s electro and some modern dance music. Somehow, it also gives us a chill that their music is reflecting the era when Basement Jaxx were dominating the dance music industry.

6. James Blake – Overgrown

James Blake will never lose his class. That is the first thing that acrosses our mind when this album was released. James Blake’s deep vocal and soulful music are completing his incredible work in ‘Overgrown’. Did a little dubstep on his debut album (which gained him a name and also a nomination for the same award), the well-trained pianist doubled the class with a nice touch of hip hop and soul for the latest work. The obvious result is shown in ‘Retrograded’.

7. Jake Bugg – Jake Bugg

The Nottingham singer has drawn the attention by the first time when he launched his appearance in the music industry. Producing more generous material for the self-titled album, Jake Bugg is receiving his latest work as the best-received to date. The album which consist of 14 track are showing the Dylan-esque music has acclaimed the 19-year-old singer the highest place in a music chart. It still amazes us with the music that he produced, considering he is still young, which is well-described as “The Old Person’s Young Singer”. The album also put the era of Britpop back to the map with its blues-inspired indie pop songs.

8. Rudimental – Home

Rudimental’s Home is like a spin-off of James Brown and Basement Jaxx. That is our best explanation of their music. Elevating the dance music euphoria, Rudimental drop their sickest drums and bass to a timeless sound of dance music. As the quartet once said that they need some anthemic songs, ‘Home’ is giving us all. Storming with a very rich mixing of garage rhythmic, 90’s dance music, and even a collaboration of Emeli Sandé. If this album was a music store, this would have the best collections of music. Hats off with their super elevated music.

9. Laura Mvula – Sing To The Moon

If Amy Winehouse was able to listen to Laura Mvula’s work, she would be dying to work with her. Laura Mvula is one of the most compelling new acts as her music has been labelled as the hybrid of Nina Simone and Billie Holiday. Her work in ‘Sing to the Moon’ have rocketed her name as Elton John is praising her music (and later has become Laura Mvula’s biggest fan). With her singing sensastion, she put an extraordinary arrangement with a dip of sunny jazz and a clash of retro soul. She also blooms the album with a melancholy classy lyric.

10. Jon Hopkins – Immunity

If we look into his history and track record (co-produced Coldplay and worked with Brian Eno), we would set a high expectation of his music. ‘Immunity’ is the fourth solo album which got hailed by NME as an “expertly paced” album that “resemble the peaks and troughs of an epic night out, the first half… is a continuous build to the crunching nine-minute techno opus of Collider, before the second half winds down to the title track, which features the mollifying vocals of King Creosote, another frequent collaborator”. Jon Hopkins produced a very haunting and great electronic touch in it, this album also let us to enter the new personal space of him.

11. Savages – Silence Yourself

In the fashion world, there will always a newcomer who sparks out the industry and knocks out big labels by the time the model walks in. We can’t name the current fresh face in the modelling field, but if we are asked the same thing on music world, we are sending out Savages! As the four girls blasted their music in 2011, the world have expected their debut will be incredibly amazing. ‘Silence Yoursel’ will take you to a time machine and drop you in the era of gothic rock and post-punk music. The vocalist, Jehnny Beth, is giving an provoking vocal which has matched really well with the music. A very angular music and ear snapping guitar lines are making their debut album more intense.

12. Villagers – Awayland

Villagers are an Irish indie-folk band who give a new sound of folk. By bringing some modern folk music, Villagers’ ‘Awayland’has a masterful work. The credits also go to the band’s leader, O’Brien. O’Brien did a clever with the songs’s poetic lyrics and turned the album to a great treasure. This album also has put the Irish band to the second time for being nominated in Mercury Prize. Back to the pureness of the album, Villagers are setting the bar of how a folk music should be produced.

That’s all from us for Mercury Prize 2013. This year is just as exciting and interesting to be seen. The 12 talented british acts have shown their best to gain the name in the industry. Some are trying to draw a comeback, some are succesfully attracted the world with their debut, and some are the old names who have been nominated in the previous years. So, Who’ll be taking the bacon of this annual award? The answer will be revealed on October 30th 2013.

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