On the Record: Dewa

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