Guess What? Koes Plus

Guess What? Koes Plus

The economic crisis is an inspiration to Koes Plus. This veteran band has just recorded Isu Jalanan (The Street Rumors), which was written by group member Yon Koeswoyo after he saw panicked housewives rushing to buy rice due to rumors of shortages.

"My creation is always a true story or is triggered by something that bothers me," he said. "Basically, I can't just make them (the songs) like a machine."

Koes Plus, formed in the 1960s, has gone through different member formations over the years. The newest one was announced earlier this month in a villa in Cisarua, Bogor, West Java. Called Koes Plus '98, it consists of Yon (lead vocal and guitar) Murry (drum), Andolin Sibuea (keyboard and melody) and Jack Kasbhi (bass guitar and vocal).

Another new "member" is fashion designer Harry Darsono.

"But Harry knows that being modest is the characteristic of Koes Plus," Yon said. "Even though he designs our costumes, we won't be neko-neko (step out of line). We won't, for example, wear uniforms ... We are not soldiers." (JJ)