Maximum Rock’ N Roll Monarchy compilation vol. 1

Rising from the ashes just like phoenix...this is the new generation of underground musical subculture. Check out Electrohell’s compilation which showcases some of the best material by both new and established indie bands out of Bali. From Rockabilly to Rapcore and Punk, this album is pure seductive poison. Many of the new bands sound kinda “SID-esque” (which is partly to do with how the tunes were mixed) but there’s a strong vintage influence too, evident in the work of both the Hydrant and Suicidal Sinatra (winner of Hard Rock School of Rock). There’s also some “easy to digest” gear on there, such as WTS by Indonesian Flag which is all about the girl next door and Pantaiku (My beach) by DHD b bemoaning the sad state of our beaches…maybe you should send your record to Greenpeace.com dude, it could be your big break! Anyway, if Elvis is watching from the beyond, for sure he’s smiling as he witnesses our musical mayhem //gino++

Souljah – Breaking the Roots

The reincarnation of an old old Ska group called Arigatou, Soulja are continuing to celebrate Jamaican music in all its many forms. Danar (vocals), Dimas (drums), Bayu (guitar), Said (toasting - a Jamaican style of rapping), Renhat (Bass), and David (Keyboard) have given birth to a smile-inducing album of positive tunes including “Jamaica’s Away” and “Mahalo,” which means ‘goodbye’ in Hawaiian. It’s not all downbeat though, they pick up the pace with ska tracks like “On the Radio.” Vocally, Danar sounds a little like Monique Powell from the Save Ferris. The album includes 6 collaborations, notably with the flamboyant Sundari Sukotjo which add colour to the album. Calling the album “Breaking the Roots” is surely meaningful too coz it shows us the range of styles that fall under the banner of reggae, from dub to ska to dancehall..A big city band with an Island taste.
//gino