Thee Marloes' debut album Perak is a fusion of soul, jazz, and pop, but with an Indonesian twist that's all their own.
Thee Marloes deliver a sound that’s as familiar as it is refreshingly unique on their debut album Perak. At first listen, you might think you're stepping into classic soul territory with the weighty drums, a crooning guitar, and a voice singing about love's complications. But there's something different about Thee Marloes, something that sets them apart. That something is that they hail from Surabaya, Indonesia, so they bring a fresh perspective to soul music by mixing it with their local culture. Thee Marloes consist of Natassya Sianturi on vocals and keys, Tommy Satwick on drums, and Sinatrya "Raka" Dharaka on guitar and production.
The world got its first taste of Perak with "Midnight Hotline," the scorching a-side of their debut 7" on Big Crown. The punchy dancefloor anthem, with its infectious chorus, vibey piano, and jazzy guitar licks, set the stage for what was to come. The b-side, "Beri Cinta Waktu," is also featured on the album and offers a soulful ballad sung in Indonesian, showcasing their ability to bring the emotion beyond language barriers.
The rest of Perak seamlessly balances energy and language. "I Know" is a mid-tempo track that takes on the unraveling of a love built on deceit, while "Not Today" is an uplifting groove perfect for a Sunday morning, reminding us to make space for ourselves despite life's chaos attempt to disrupt us. "Mungkin Saja" cranks up the tempo with another dancefloor hit, and "True Love" dips into the soulful side of jazz, feeling almost like it belongs in a Tarantino film's dance scene. The album's closer, "Over," starts with a heavy drum break and evolves into an epic arrangement, capturing the turmoil of a sudden breakup with layers of beautiful melodies.
Perak is a heartfelt journey from the heart of Surabaya to the soul sound's core. It's about creating something new out of love and passion for the music. Thee Marloes clearly relish every aspect of what they do, from writing and recording to performing live. As Sianturi says, "We want to share what we live." No matter your language or culture, Thee Marloes' music and infectious energy are set to become a staple on turntables for years to come.