Senyawa - Menjadi

Review by Niamh Keely

Senyawa's latest album Menjadi is a stunning display of experimental music that defies categorization. The Indonesian duo, consisting of Rully Shabara and Wukir Suryadi, blend traditional Indonesian music with avant-garde electronic sounds to create an otherworldly sonic experience.

The album's opening track, "Istana," sets the tone with its haunting vocals and eerie instrumentation. The duo's signature use of homemade instruments, such as the bambu wukir and stringed bamboo zither, add a unique texture to the music.

As the album progresses, tracks like "Kabau" and "Kembali Ke Dunia" showcase the duo's ability to seamlessly blend traditional Indonesian music with contemporary electronic sounds. The result is a hypnotic and transcendent listening experience.

Summary by Niamh Keely

Senyawa's experimental approach to music may not be for everyone, but those who appreciate boundary-pushing art will find Menjadi to be a captivating and rewarding listen. With this album, Senyawa cements their status as one of the most innovative and exciting musical acts working today.