‘Ali Topan’ review: a punchy, yet superficial punk romance
Lutesha and Omara Esteghlal shine, but Sidharta Tata’s reluctance to scratch underneath the surface nearly overshadows everything
Felix Martua
‘13 Bombs in Jakarta’ review: straight-shooting, zero-fucks-given fun
Elevated by winsome performances from Muhammad Khan and Ganindra Bimo, director-writer Angga Dwimas Sasongko embraces the beauty of simplicity
‘Falling in Love Like in Movies’ review: Nirina Zubir’s career masterpiece
Yandy Laurens’ romantic dramedy proves he's got the brain for filmmaking, though the heart belongs to his luminous leading lady
The story of Joyland Bali 2023 – in glorious pictures
From pop group GAC's comeback to M.I.A's marigold-made tiger stage prop, this is what happened at the spectacular music festival on Peninsula Island in Nusa Dua, Bali
Hindia: “There are so many things I despise in building a career in music and going through everything that I did”
Ahead of his performance at the festival Joyland Bali, the Indonesian singer-songwriter reflects on the post-pandemic return of live music and the bitterness that inspired his anticipated new album
‘Virgo and the Sparklings’ review: a necessary shot of adrenaline in the Bumilangit Cinematic Universe
After the disappointing first two entries in the BCU, Ody Harahap’s ‘Virgo and the Sparklings’ brings things back to basics, focusing on a simple, fun time.
Reikko: the Indonesian singer who channelled romantic trauma into a hyperpop reinvention
The R&B-turned-hyperpop artist chats with NME about the musical phases she had to go through to land at her debut EP ‘No More Feelings’
Head in the Clouds Jakarta 2022 review: Asian pride shines and sizzles
Most stars stuck the landing at 88rising’s Head In The Clouds debut in Southeast Asia, though a few got torched by the sun
We The Fest 2022 review: the Jakarta festival makes a safe, solid return
Predictable setlists and stellar headlining sets turn the festival's post-pandemic return into a well-balanced weekend
Caessaria: Indonesian newcomers crafting their own brand of fantasy pop
Indonesian fantasy pop band Caessaria take cues from the art of tarot reading to create emotive ethereal music on their debut EP ‘Halfstoria’. Words by: Felix Martua
Noui: Indonesian artist takes apart past trauma with understated, nocturnal pop
In First On, we introduce a shit-hot artist you’d have no doubt seen opening the bill for your favourite act. The Singapore-based Indonesian singer-songwriter Noui reckons with childhood horror and fantasy on debut EP ‘Innerchild’
Rock artist Morad debuts with bluesy album ‘About a Woman’: “Everything goes blank whenever I try to make pop music”
Finding inspiration in Led Zeppelin, Motown and Amy Winehouse, the Indonesian rock artist dives into heartbreak and lust on his first album