At last, the semi-finals of the second round, with four bands fighting it out for the chance to win $US2000 and a possible record deal from EMI Music Indonesia. The four finalists were Rettro (Jogjakarta), R30 (Malang), Suicidal Sinatra and Bagus Band, (Denpasar).

The first to impress was Rettro; a great band with great songs , but as R30 from Malang took to the stage, it was clear that they had even better original material. With a dynamic performance, way better than the first time I saw them in the qualifying round, R30 mesmerized everybody with their performance.. The vocalist managed to lose himself in each song (but with more control this time), adding much more soul into tracks like Kalut and Arti Cinta (lovely lyrics and melody on this one).

But when it comes to originality, I just got to take my hat off to Suicidal Sinatra. These Rockabilly boys from Denpasar really have style! It’s so much fun to see them blending the old guitar distortion and acoustic double bass into their fresh, catchy upbeat songs like MBA. Last on stage was Bagus Band. Their female vocalist was amazing and overall their musical style reminded me of acid jazz heads The Groove..

In the end, after much discussion Suicidal Sinatra and R30 made it to the grand final, setting up a killer contest for next Monday. Don’t miss it! / MK