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CD
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GB 180CD
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The highly anticipated debut album from Amsterdam-based Indonesian psych-folk ensemble Nusantara Beat has finally arrived. Having built a rapidly rising reputation through captivating live performances and a string of acclaimed 7" singles (Bongo Joe Records), this self-titled album powerfully extends an already potent musical vision. A mesmerizing collection of eleven original tracks, Nusantara Beat delves deep into the group's Indonesian ancestral roots, and thrillingly weaves together hypnotic folk melodies, vintage Indo-pop, pulsating psychedelic grooves and contemporary sonic textures. Nusantara Beat grew out of Amsterdam's vibrant music scene, with several of its members previously playing in Dutch groups including EUT, Jungle by Night and the Turkish psych ensemble Altin Gün. But it was the allure of exploring Indonesian sounds that cemented their alliance. Released in 2023, "Djanger" is a beloved song describing the movements of a Balinese dancer. "Kota Bandung," also released in 2023, is a 1970s classic describing the capital city of West Java. And 2024's "Mang Becak" is another '70s pop track based around a conversation between a woman and a becak (bicycle rickshaw) driver, delivered in Sundanese, the local language of West Java. Across these three singles, Nusantara Beat paid heartfelt tribute to the tradition of "Sunda Pop" -- the Indonesian pop sensation that, from the 1960s onwards, blended traditional Sundanese music with contemporary pop sounds such as psychedelia, surf music and funk. Nusantara Beat have staked out a daring place in modern music, paying homage to the tradition of Sunda Pop, while reinvigorating it for the 21st century with pristine production techniques, modern synthesizers and deep grooves. Now, with their self-titled debut album, Nusantara Beat have gone one step further, writing, recording and producing eleven scintillating original songs that have their roots deep in tradition while stretching out into bold new worlds. The ethereal mood of the traditional Javanese and Balinese gamelan percussion ensemble can be heard to striking effect, underpinning the heavy twang of a surf guitar and whooshing synth sirens. And, throughout the album, samples of Balinese gamelan instruments add extra depth, along with the sounds of traditional instruments such as the kecapi zither, the kendang drum and Balinese gongs. Most of the lyrics -- written in English and translated into Indonesian -- deal with the complexities of modern love, with a bittersweet pop sensibility perfectly suited to Megan's gorgeously delicate vocal style. Atmospheric, mesmerizing and timeless, it's a perfect example of the magic Nusantara Beat weave. Nusantara Beat is the sound of an utterly unique musical collective, forging new ground with a breathtaking freshness and a seductive sense of folk history that echoes through the decades.
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LP
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GB 180LP
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LP version. The highly anticipated debut album from Amsterdam-based Indonesian psych-folk ensemble Nusantara Beat has finally arrived. Having built a rapidly rising reputation through captivating live performances and a string of acclaimed 7" singles (Bongo Joe Records), this self-titled album powerfully extends an already potent musical vision. A mesmerizing collection of eleven original tracks, Nusantara Beat delves deep into the group's Indonesian ancestral roots, and thrillingly weaves together hypnotic folk melodies, vintage Indo-pop, pulsating psychedelic grooves and contemporary sonic textures. Nusantara Beat grew out of Amsterdam's vibrant music scene, with several of its members previously playing in Dutch groups including EUT, Jungle by Night and the Turkish psych ensemble Altin Gün. But it was the allure of exploring Indonesian sounds that cemented their alliance. Released in 2023, "Djanger" is a beloved song describing the movements of a Balinese dancer. "Kota Bandung," also released in 2023, is a 1970s classic describing the capital city of West Java. And 2024's "Mang Becak" is another '70s pop track based around a conversation between a woman and a becak (bicycle rickshaw) driver, delivered in Sundanese, the local language of West Java. Across these three singles, Nusantara Beat paid heartfelt tribute to the tradition of "Sunda Pop" -- the Indonesian pop sensation that, from the 1960s onwards, blended traditional Sundanese music with contemporary pop sounds such as psychedelia, surf music and funk. Nusantara Beat have staked out a daring place in modern music, paying homage to the tradition of Sunda Pop, while reinvigorating it for the 21st century with pristine production techniques, modern synthesizers and deep grooves. Now, with their self-titled debut album, Nusantara Beat have gone one step further, writing, recording and producing eleven scintillating original songs that have their roots deep in tradition while stretching out into bold new worlds. The ethereal mood of the traditional Javanese and Balinese gamelan percussion ensemble can be heard to striking effect, underpinning the heavy twang of a surf guitar and whooshing synth sirens. And, throughout the album, samples of Balinese gamelan instruments add extra depth, along with the sounds of traditional instruments such as the kecapi zither, the kendang drum and Balinese gongs. Most of the lyrics -- written in English and translated into Indonesian -- deal with the complexities of modern love, with a bittersweet pop sensibility perfectly suited to Megan's gorgeously delicate vocal style. Atmospheric, mesmerizing and timeless, it's a perfect example of the magic Nusantara Beat weave. Nusantara Beat is the sound of an utterly unique musical collective, forging new ground with a breathtaking freshness and a seductive sense of folk history that echoes through the decades.
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7"
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BJR 45035EP
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Due to popular demand: Les Disques Bongo Joe are releasing a brand new 7'' of Nusantara Beat featuring the previously-released-digital-only single "Mang Becak" and a new killer track! For their third collaboration with Bongo Joe, the Amsterdam-based band reinvents two gems of Indonesian music on this 7''. Through these tracks, Nusantara Beat fuses traditional sounds with modernity, breathing new life into timeless classics. On Side A, "Sifat Manusia," inspired by Indonesian folklore, delves into the depth and richness of the human soul, delivered through a vibrant and captivating performance. On the B-side, "Mang Becak" pays tribute to 1970s Sunda Pop and the iconic track by One Dee Group, reimagined with a modern groove and irresistible energy. By blending psychedelic textures, folkloric rhythms, and boundless creativity, Nusantara Beat transports listeners into the unique atmosphere of Bandung, balancing respect for musical heritage with contemporary innovation. This new 7'' is a complete immersion into the singular universe of the band, celebrating the diversity and richness of Indonesian culture.
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7"
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BJR 45030EP
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Nusantara Beat strikes back with a brand new 7''. After the success of Djanger/Borondong Garing, Bongo Joe Records and Lamunai Records cooperate again to deliver these two amazing tracks fusing modern influenced grooves and traditional Indonesian sonorities! "Layung" is a '70s Indonesian love song. The song's heartfelt exploration of love serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty found in the Indonesian Archipelago. Nusantara Beat's sound ingeniously wraps this song in a modern 21st-century allure, featuring elements of psychedelic-folk, trip-hop, and various other influences. Allow the soothing waves of Nusantara Beat's music to wash over you, inspiring a deeper embrace of your own heritage and fostering an appreciation for the diverse tapestry of the world that surrounds you. "Kota Bandung" mirrors the Sundanese (capital) city's rich cultural diversity. With harmonious chorus melodies that sing "Bandung" together, it's a testament to the city's spirit. Nusantara Beat's modern interpretation breathes new life into a timeless '70s Indonesian classic. Join this musical odyssey and let "Bandung" transport you to a place of cultural richness and artistic innovation. Experience the pleasure of this Amsterdam-based group paying homage to this beloved city.
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7"
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BJR 45028EP
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Nusantara Beat, the six-piece band hailing from Amsterdam, is quickly becoming a must-see act. With a deep connection to their Indonesian roots and a passion for honoring their cultural heritage, Nusantara Beat brings a fresh and modern take on traditional Indonesian music. Nusantara Beat creates a unique sound that blends traditional Indonesian songs from the 20th century with their own style and creativity. The result is a mesmerizing mix of tropical and mystical sounds that take the audience on a journey to the land of their ancestors. But Nusantara Beat isn't just about honoring tradition. They also strive to showcase the rich diversity of Indonesian music and take it into the future. With their music, they pay tribute to traditional sounds while bringing their own innovative twists to the mix.
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