Netral have really set the benchmark for Indonesian alternative-punk, but to maintain it is way harder. Netral are pretty well known in Indonesia with their conscious lyrics and Bagus’ deep-lunged vocal, but this time they seem kinda out of focus. Compared with their previous album where they really stood proud as an independent group, with Putih (White) it’s pretty obvious that they’ve been massively influenced by other bands from abroad, Blink 182 for instance. It makes the album kinda fun-happy-punk. Check track “Terbang Tenggelam” (Fly-Sink) with a California-esque sound and “Terompet Iblis” (Devil’s Trumapet) where you can hardly hear Bagus’ vocal which sometimes sound like they’re being forced into the tunes. Well, nothing wrong with the term “going where the wind blows” but at least stick with your original color. //gino++

Another home grown product, The Dissland betray a deep need to sound and perform like the legendary Ramones. Some of their tunes run to fun with “easy to digest lyrics” and a youthful target audience. Guitar distortion twists its way throughout the album giving a vivid picture of what lies at the heart of Punk-Rock. While many other groups have tried to mimic Superman Is Dead’s soaund, Dissland are an exception. Tunes like “Indah Tubuhmu” (Your Beautiful Body) serve up fun girl-crushed lyrics running in at less than 3 minutes, and “Berandal Terkenal” (Famous Street Punk) is full of vigor and is a vivid display of rebel attitude. But guys…please give some more space for your voices, since they kinda struggle beneath the guitar and drum domination. Hey ho-let’s go! //gino++

This is vintage sounding Al Green and a welcome reminder of the sheer warmth of the soul genre in this age of clinical musical production and manufacturing. Teaming up with long time collaborator/mentor, Willie Mitchell, The Reverend Al has come up with the old magic. Sweet harmonies backed by an upbeat funk feel jostle with emotion-laden ballads, all rounded off with those familiar strings, horns, and Hammond B3 Organ spikes. But of course, the highlight of the show is Green’s roving tenor complete with his perfectly executed and trademark falsetto excursions; which still have the power to move, and above all, raise a smile. This album sits confidently alongside his classic works such as, “Let’s Stay Together.” Way more than ok.++

Some of you are gonna remember the One Love gig down at 66 last year. Bottom heavy house beats spiced up with live guitars. Well, that little formula has suddenly catapulted Kaz James and partner, Dylan Burns, into the dance limelight. The two met in Australia, clicked, and set off on a whirlwind tour that culminated right here in Bali for the One Love night. Then they released the totally infectious and defiantly uncerebral, “I Like The Way You Move.” Think AC/DC guitar riff over rump-busting beats & bassline, topped with seductive Serge Gainsbourg inspired spoken word/vocals. Off the back of that track, which has been rocking dance floors from Aya Napa to…well, Bali, they’ve produced their debut album as BodyRockers. What is it? A dirty dance/rock hybrid album to whack on just before you head out on a Friday night.++