sajama cut

The words suave and music don't usually go together but they do in the case of this Jakarta-based band. With their tailored suits, chic jackets, vintage shirts and overall debonair appearance, Marcel Thee, Aldy Waani, Mario Leman, Andry Bhakti Ruay and Budi Marcukhunda provide a stylishly striking image to their ultra-urbane folk rock. The band's taste for wine and cigarettes complements their love of Hank Williams and Beatlesesque melodies, the musical simplicity of Guided by Voices and REM along with the lyrical weight and honesty of Bright Eyes, Bob Dylan, the Fall and Nirvana.

Now, with the release of "The Osaka Journals" (whose title comes from the name of a book of journals owned by a band member) SAJAMA CUT give their fans a chance to listen to 11 tales of sadness, drama and melancholy. Tracks such as the single Fallen Japanese and the depressing Season Finale showcase the band's ability to pack 2 ½ minutes with great pop melodies and abstract yet memorable lyrics. Meanwhile, Scarlett (Paramour), Fin and the country-esque Nemesis/Murder express joy without paranoia or hurt. Alibi, the dark and dramatic Lagu Tema and the lyrically complex It Was Kyoto Where I Died take the album to a breathtaking finale, while still providing room for one more punch in Less Afraid. That single previously appeared on the soundtrack for "Janji Joni" and the "JKT: SKRG" compilation of indie bands in and around Jakarta.