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  • Murphy Radio and How Math Rock Portrays Heartbreak

    Ever seen the words “Murphy Radio” written on someone else’s shirt somewhere? Well, it was actually a math rock band. Perhaps you’re still not familiar with it: this genre is currently all over the internet.

    Murphy Radio (instagram.com/murphyradio)

    Where it all started

    Murphy Radio’s long journey began when it was first formed in 2012. Now, the band has been around for over a decade and still continues to deliver music. Origin of ‘Murphy Radio‘ name was actually inspired by a line from an Indian movie called ‘Barfi’.

    The original members at that time were Wendra, Aldi Yamin, and Akbartus Ponganan. However, Akbartus left the band in 2017 and was replaced by Aswin Winata as drummer. Aswin eventually became a full-time member and still remains active until now.

    ”Besides line-up changes, the band also explored few genres before finally settled on math rock as their main course.”

    Math rock: the new relationship anthem

    The Samarinda-based band is currently the hottest topic around in the scene. And with good reason: they have over 100,000 listeners on Spotify. Their hit song called ‘Graduation Song’, has even reached over 2 million listeners so far.

    Unlike the title, the song actually discusses how two people who resist welcoming separation. This tragic tale opens with a melodic groove and drum beat that follows in the very first minute. In several TikTok videos, ‘Graduation Song’ became karaoke anthem that everyone sing out loud.

    ”Lyrics such as “How do we get through it all?” and “With long enough time no one can refuse separation” seem to represent the complicated situation of romance.”

    Since there is no official explanation of the meaning, everyone has their own perspective. Some say that ‘Graduation Song’ is a symbol of major changes in life and fear of uncertainty. Yet, it is indeed great when a song can be interpreted differently by each listener.

    Another song titled “Penghujung Cerita” which means ”The End of the Story” also narrate a farewell. Moreover, the artwork for this song depicts a bird that fly freely. Seems that it was a symbol of letting go all the beautiful chapter that has been closed.

    Celebrate pain without tears

    The math rock fever doesn’t stop there. Another song from Eleventwelfth, titled “Your Head as My Favorite Bookstore,” also became a fan favorite. The music video was even streamed 1.9 million times on YouTube. We can see how math rock is now getting a spot among mainstream audiences.

    Or the song by Hulica, “An Imperfect Mangrove Part I,” which captures the essence of mourning. The lines describe how the pain is felt, along with the wish of being together again. However, if the conditions not possible, the song just letting us drown in unanswerable questions.

    ”Like the ending line of the song: I let myself be baffled, I don’t know why.”

    Have you listen to math rock songs?

    Read more: Kodaline Disbanded After Decade of Hits

  • Kodaline Disbanded After Decade of Hits

    Music scene has lost one of the bands whose songs left a lasting mark. Worldwide Irish pop-rock band, Kodaline, has made an announcement that shocked the whole internet. Through their Instagram page, Kodaline decided to disband as a band after a decade of journey.

    Steve Garrigan of Kodaline (Unsplash.com/cerachiuu)

    Prepping the final album

    This sudden decision has left the fans feeling mixed. Although the decision is final, lot of fans are still hoping for at least a farewell tour. The comments section on Kodaline’s Instagram is also filled with questions about the reasons behind this decision.

    In their farewell announcement video, The Irish pop-rock band expressed their joy to do shows across the world. The members also being grateful to have their music loved by so many. Likewise, fans also expressed their deepest affection for them.

    Many touching responses such as “you have changed my life” and “thank you for the memories” poured in the comment section.

    ”So, before officially calling it quits, Kodaline put together their fifth album as a farewell gift for their fans.”

    Indonesia forever had a special place

    The interesting part is that the band actually has a close bond with Indonesia. Kodaline has performed several times in various cities in Indonesia, such as Jakarta and Bandung. The Dublin boys even became one of the headliners at Soundrenaline 2023.

    Not only that, Kodaline still has a story that remains in the hearts of fans, especially in Indonesia. The music video for Ready To Change, one of their songs, was filmed in Jakarta. The video clip was released December 17th, 2017, nearly 8 years ago.

    Majority of the clip portrays the atmosphere of our typical neighborhood. We also could see the members singing with the happy faces of the locals glancing. This unique aspect ultimately made Indonesia part of Kodaline’s remarkable journey in the music industry.

    While the release date is still under wraps, one lyric from “All I Want” captures the mood perfectly: 

    “When you said your last goodbye, I died a little bit inside.” For many fans, it now feels more personal than ever.

    Thank you, Kodaline!

    Read more: Capturing Raw Teenage Life: Bekasi Punk Trio Sukses Lancar Rejeki

  • Capturing Raw Teenage Life: Bekasi Punk Trio Sukses Lancar Rejeki

    There is a famous quote says that history repeats itself. The same goes for music. Every decade, there are new wave emerging into the scene, and for this time, it’s Bekasi Punk Trio Sukses Lancar Rejeki good luck.

    Sukses Lancar Rejeki (instagram.com/sukseslancarrejeki_amin)

    Quirky yet honest songs

    The Bekasi-based teenage punk trio: Mahes, Jalil, and Bumbum first gained attention when clips of their performances were posted on the internet. Their most famous song titled “Maling,” which stands to thief, instantly received positive responses. Thanks to its explosive chorus and the band’s interactive action of inviting the audience to shout “Maling” together.

    The vocalist, Mahes, once said that the inspiration for their silly tracks comes from his own experiences and his friends. Not only ‘Maling’, but other songs like ‘Kebelet’,‘Ke Pasar Bareng Emak’, and ‘Toilet Sekolah’ also sound very unique. Track ‘Kebelet’ as an example, which tells the story of Mahes’ experience at school when he wanted permission to go to the bathroom but was only given 3 seconds by his teacher. As a result, Mahes hurriedly left the class and while on his way to the toilet, this song suddenly came to his mind.

    ”While the majority of lyrics and song titles nowadays are written meaningfully, Sukses Lancar Rejeki chooses a simple way to represent their teenage moments.”

    Can you guess where they first met?

    Unlike most bands formed among school or college friends, SLR took a unique path. In an interview on VINDES YouTube, the trio—Mahes, Jalil, and Bumbum—revealed they met at an Islamic boarding school. Their parents had known each other for years, a bond later shared by their kids.

    Even though they grew up in different schools, the three members remained close due to their long-lasting chemistry. The trio also have a studio called ‘Studimo’ which means Studio Musholla, where they practice as a band and also hold religious gatherings there.

    So, despite their active lives of music and academics, the members never overlook God’s presence in all of their efforts. This particular side appears to be present in all aspects of Sukses Lancar Rejeki, which may indicate this is the driving force for their recent success.

    Still a long long way to go

    The fact that all of the members of this band are under the age of 20 is what makes it so interesting. Mahes, the vocalist, is fifteen years old and in his first year of high school. Bumbum, the drummer, is 16 years old and attends second-year of high school. The bassist, Jalil, is the oldest member and still only at 17 years old.

    Furthermore, huge potential and the positive’s reaction to this Bekasi punk trio has made their journey remains prolonged. The concept of Sukses Lancar Rejeki, which translates as “Smooth Success Fortune,” has turned into a reality.

    ”The sincerity in the lyrical structure, song titles, and music video concepts has ultimately become a signature of Sukses Lancar Rejeki. Currently, many consider SLR, their acronym, to be the next major thing in the music scene.”

    I guess it’s safe to say that #PunkIsGreatAgain.