'Janji Joni' delivers sampler
\nof Jakarta indie music<\/p>\n
Paul F. Agusta
\nContributor\/Jakarta<\/p>\n
The new road adventure comedy from Kalyana Shira Films, Janji
\nJoni, to be released on April 28, will take viewers not only on a
\nmad, slap-dash journey through the teeming streets of Indonesia's
\ncapital city, but will also invite them into Jakarta's dynamic
\nand diverse indie music scene through its soundtrack.<\/p>\n
The soundtrack for Janji Joni, which will be available under
\nthe Aksara Records label starting on Monday, March 28, is an
\neducational hodgepodge of samplings, featuring the work of young
\nindependent sound-smiths working in the capital.<\/p>\n
This compilation offers a wide range of genres, running the
\ngamut from garage rock through funk, new wave and electroclash to
\natmospheric rock, and even mellow jazz. The music on this
\nsoundtrack provides a little bit of everything except
\noriginality.<\/p>\n
This is reflective of the overall indie scene in this country,
\nwhich produces music that sounds new and dynamic -- if you are in
\nthe habit of listening only to mainstream Indonesian tunes.
\nHowever, if your taste is a little more worldly and you keep your
\nears to the Euro-American stomping grounds, it may seem a bit
\nlike the same old, same old.<\/p>\n
This is not to say that this soundtrack is not enjoyable;
\nthere are some killer tracks on this disk. Most notably, the two
\nsongs contributed by the atmospherically meaty Zeke & the Popo.
\nTrack 5, 1.1 Million Woodcutter, puts forth some of the coolest
\nethereal space rock these guys have ever produced, while Track
\n18, I, Novel, flows emotionally from somber to just plain pissed
\noff.<\/p>\n
Also certainly worth mentioning is the offering by Sore, one
\nof the few original voices on this soundtrack, or for that matter
\non the current local music scene. Their song Funk the Hole --
\ntrack number 4 -- romps its way from 1970s psychedelic pop, with
\nits laid-back, melodic vocals, through to early 1990s garage
\nrock, then takes a mind-blowing detour with a crescendo of rock-
\ninfused march music before ending abruptly, leaving behind a
\nwhat-the-hell expression on the listener's face. This is
\ndefinitely not a track or band to skip over.<\/p>\n
The movie's score, composed by David Tarigan and Age (also the
\nproducers of this album), showcased on this album in two tracks,
\nmust also be noted. Track 7, Setan Kredit, sounds like a cross
\nbetween a 1970s blaxploitation film and an altercation between
\ntwo Metro Mini bus drivers on one of Jakarta's crowded
\nthoroughfares. This track is 50 percent adrenaline and 50 percent
\nendorphin.<\/p>\n
Track 15, Satu Waktu, on the other hand, is an upbeat, but
\ncontemplative, mellow piece. This song pleases on several levels
\nwith the candy-coated guest vocals by Rebecca, who, with Henry
\nFoundation, forms the electroclash act, Goodnight Electric, who
\ncontribute Track 10, Bedroom Avenue.<\/p>\n
Overall, this album is not an earthshaking compilation, but is
\ndefinitely a CD worth having if you are inclined toward getting
\nto know the sounds of contemporary indie music in Jakarta.<\/p>\n
Album box:<\/p>\n
Original Motion Picture Soundtrack to Janji Joni.<\/p>\n
Artists: The Adams, Ape on the Roof, Zeke & The Popo, Sore,
\nGoodnight Electric, White Shoes & The Couples Company, Media
\nDistorsi, Teenage Death Star, Tomorrow People Ensemble, Sajama
\nCut, The Jonis<\/p>\n
Release Date: March 28, 2005<\/p>\n
Label: Aksara Records<\/p>\n
Rating: ***1\/2 (out of *****)<\/p>\n
***** if you don't own this already, hang your head in shame!
\n**** pretty darn good
\n*** not bad at all
\n** if you've got nothing better to listen to
\n* avoid at all costs<\/p>",
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