A psychedelic rock sound with funky appeal enamors on Vol (1), the new EP from Indonesian trio MERAK. The Jakarta-based act take heartfelt inspiration from the ’70s psychedelia scene in Indonesia, in addition to Harry Roesli’s album Philosophy Gang. Through it all, the band develop a thoroughly original sound — balancing dazed vocal enthrallment, jazzy keys, funky rhythms, and spacey synth tones alongside fantastic guitar work.
“Dr. Vegafunk” kicks off the release with a dynamic rock fusing. Pandji Dharma’s lead vocals emit a soaring quality, cohesively melding within the palpable funk and jazz inspirations. The twanging guitars steadily give way to warming bass and glistening keys, as those vocals captivate with serene charm. A particularly memorable section, just after the two-minute turn, reminds fondly of early Pink Floyd in the guitar bursts and descending vocals.
Showcasing the band’s more subdued side in similarly consuming form, “Betterdays” exudes contemplative lyricism — “I wonder what will happen,” — as dreamy guitar lines intermingle beautifully with a bouncing bass line. The “waiting for the sun,” segment enchants especially with the whirring effects and meditative vocal aspirations in that “better days will come.” EP finale “About Us” further embraces jazz inspirations, in the outstanding drumming especially, and concludes this memorable EP with a strongly atmospheric prowess.
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“Dr. Vegafunk” is also featured in the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Emerging Funk/Soul.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
