On the Record: Dewa

Artist : Dewa Album : Laskar Cinta (Aquarius Musikindo)

A bit like Madonna, although not as sharp, pop group Dewa is noted for its PR savvy and the prescient skill to read the market.

The image of cocky band leader Ahmad Dhani, his prowess in creating catchy songs with lovey dovey lyrics, the skillful band's personnel and its quick turnover amid acrimonious departures -- all of them have made Dewa a constant in showbiz headlines for the past 18 years.

That is despite the fact that many of the band's songs are downright insulting to those with knowledge of music, constituting total rip offs.

The introduction defines this seventh album, which is all about Dewa: The catchiness, the power ballad, the pop/rock tunes and electronic beats, and the all-about-love lyrics (the album title means "troops of love", for heaven's sake).

This time, the band does give credit to its "inspiration" by stating in Pangeran Cinta (Prince of Love), for instance, "beats inspired by Led Zeppelin". They seem to have been a bit absent minded for other songs, such as Indonesia Saja (Just Indonesia), at once reminiscent of Sheryl Crow's Leaving Las Vegas, of all songs.

Fans will lap it up, no doubt. I, however, will opt for Sheila on 7, or the indie bands of the Jkt: Skrg album -- they are fresher and original, thank you. -- Hera Diani