For a kicking and strikingly unique take on the psychedelic rock sound, I strongly suggest looking to Indonesia’s Hello Benji and The Cobra, especially their upcoming single, “Anak Muda” (“Teenage” in English).
One of the most important elements of any great single is the intro. The intro really has to hook the listener’s attention and hold it tight. “Anak Muda” does this perfectly by starting off with an ever-building mountain of trippy noises, panting and swelling instrumentation that quickly reaches a supernova-like crescendo. What immediately follows is a kaleidoscopic blend of dueling acid keyboards and guitars, blaring brass and phased, hallucinatory vocals.
There’s a vivid and playful energy in this track that is deliciously contagious, no matter how many times you play it. From the vibrant, danceable rhythms to the insatiable laughter and enigmatic vocal work of the lead singer, this track makes you instantly grin and crank up the volume as high as you can.
Sounding somewhere between the acid-soul of King Kahn & The Shrines and the primal garage rock of The Chocolate Watchband, Hello Benji and The Cobra’s new single is definitely a contender for being one 2017’s best songs. Be sure to keep an eye out for its physical release on Cassette Store Day this October!
PS: You really have to also check out last year’s Mitos EP by Hello Benji and The Cobra. If you like any of the groups that revolve around the The Reverberation Appreciation Society label or Fuzz Club Records, then you are definitely going to love this release.
-KH
Record Crates United 