Efek Rumah Kaca - Kamar Gelap

Indonesian label Aksara Records continue their winning streak with the second album from Efek Rumah Kaca. These wonderboys were the recipients of the Rookie Of The Year award from Rolling Stone Indonesia in 2008 for the surprising success of their debut album, which has so far racked up sales of more than 45,000 copies–a hugely impressive number for an obscure indie act on a humble indie label.

Those expecting the sort of immediacy that made their debut album such a beguiling listen will be slightly disappointed though, which was my initial reaction when I first put this album on. There’s nothing as drop dead-Radiohead-gorgeous as ‘Jatuh Cinta Itu Biasa Saja’ or as pop-tastic as ‘Cinta Melulu’ but then I realised that, after taking a second spin, that’s probably not the point they’re trying to make with this album.

Decidedly angrier and moodier lyrically, the band clearly avoids anything resembling Radiohead this time around (which was probably an oft-made comparison when describing their debut), and instead explores the moody terrain of literate bands like Red House Painters and American Music Club.

Opening with the deathly moody and slow (and almost seven-minute long) ‘Tubuhmu Membiru...Tragis’, it is not the kind of move one would expect from a highly anticipated follow-up to a successful debut album, and definitely a risky move for an album that’s expected to break Efek Rumah Kaca into the mainstream. But then, that’s why these guys are so well-respected as artists.

Famed for their excellent lyrics (in Indonesian), this album continues to amaze on that front with songs about the people’s political power (‘Mosi Tidak Percaya’), false dreams of a successful life in the city (‘Banyak Asap Di Sana’), the value of books (‘Jangan Bakar Buku’) and cam whoring (the first single ‘Kenakalan Remaja Di Era Informatika’), amongst other things.

Just in case you’re wondering whether these lyrical topics imply that the songs are overtly serious and boring, think again, as these songs are coated with some truly wonderful melodies. The only caveat, however, is that the hooks are not as straightforward as they are in the band’s debut, but will have you floating with delight once you get round to your second or third listen.

If you’re the impatient type though, just go straight to the last song ‘Balerina’ and you will be left with no doubts as to Efek Rumah Kaca’s skill and talent with a melody. Maybe then you’ll find the courage to let this truly great album sink in. A true "grower".

Taken from Junk's April 2009 issue.