Artist : Tere

Album : Sebuah Harapan (Aquarius Musikindo)

As a member of the new breed of (female) solo pop vocalists, 24- year-old Tere did a good job on her debut album Awal Yang Indah (A Good Start).

With slightly alternative pop, she filled a void in the genre typically inhabited by her predecessors defined by Celine Dion- esque pop, pop/R&B or as Alanis Morissette wannabes.

And it is good to listen to this record, a stronger work than her good start.

The first run-through may not be so impressive, but as you play the record again, it starts to grow on you. Basically pop, the sound is pretty catchy and quite varied.

From the upbeat Mestinya (Supposed to), which is highlighted with a string section, Vanessa Carlton-esque piano-tinged Senantiasa (Always) and Cintaku Sederhana (My Love is Simple), to rockin' ala Radiohead Jika Kau Bahagia (If You're Happy) and Mono-inspired Aku Patut Membenci Dia (I Should Hate Him).

Tere manages, however, to make the inspiration remain inspiration and not descend into a rip-off.

She still has a ways to go to really excell and form a strong character as a singer/songwriter. In the meantime, however, it is nice to have another option among the not so many good offerings in local mainstream pop. -- Hera Diani