I’m pretty new to Indonesian cuisine. The couple of times I’ve had it, I’ve left the restaurant with a BIG smile on my face. It is good! If you like Chinese, Thai, you’ll love Indonesian food. I think I even like it more than those two. I can start with the dumplings. Of course you know dumplings, right? What I like is that you get many sauces to choose from, kind of like Korean style. I like sauces, trying different ones, and better if they are spicy.
I had asked for entrée recommendations to my friend Joz, who lives in Bandung and runs the small Maritime label. Around his little label a scene is thriving in the flower city of Bandung, the second biggest city of the country. Jakarta, the capital, is the biggest. Both of them are in the island of Java and both of them are home to the most exciting indiepop acts in the archipelago country, hence “The Sound of Young Java” compilations.
Actually there is this whole thing, like Chicago vs New York, London vs. Manchester, happening between these two cities. The working name for the series was going to be The Sound of Dayeuh Kolot, which is the name of the old city of Bandung. I know the name is a bit unfriendly but in indiepop, the word Borobudur has been already showcased, did you know? It was a great compilation on La Di Da that included songs by The Hit Parade, The Penny Candles, Dead Famous People, Bob, and many more. Highly recommended. I used pictures of the Borobudur temple for the covers on both first and second volume of the series.
Redang Sapi was his first recommendation, beef cooked slowly with coconut milk and spices. It was delicious. My surprise was the fried rice. It’s the best I’ve had, no doubts about it. Opor Ayam, was this juicy chicken in yellow spices and more coconut milk. And last one I’ve tried was the Ikan Goreng Balado, which was this fish in chili sauce. And according to Joz, this is everyday food, he laughed at me when I said I was paying 10 dollars for a plate. “That’s 2 dollars here” he said. It makes sense, eating that great food, boys and girls can grow up healthy and happy to make indiepop tunes!
This week the second volume of the Sound of Young Java was released on Cloudberry. And is as tasty as their food. Twisterella opens with the catchy November. I really like their name. I used to hang out on the Swedish room of the same name on Soulseek, and the fanzine was ace! The EP continues with Leach Me Lemonade that comes with their Sarah-esque , dreamy dreamy, pop. This is their second appearance in the series. The third track is from a new band for me: Pop at Summer. It was a tip from my Spanish friend José Antonio, he is the best indiepop band finder in the world! Terrific song. And to close the EP, Cloudberry veterans Astrolab and their breath-taking guitars. Isn’t Rangga one of the best guitarist in indiepop world right now?
Lucky Bandung, this time all four bands are from there.
Oh! did you know Club 8 played there? They are still remembered. All the kids fell in love with Karolina. I could see that coming!
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