Band Contemporary Art from Jakarta has once again made a mark on the Indonesian music scene by releasing a new maxi-single containing two songs titled “Memento” and “A Ghost’s Bitterness in Its Charming Home”. These two works were digitally released through Kinetik Records and the Bandcamp platform under Outta Sight Records, marking a new chapter in their dark and intense musical exploration. The songs delve into human inner struggles—ranging from disappointment, pain, hope, to everyday emotional dynamics—crafted in unconventional music compositions.
“Memento,” written by vocalist Dwi Cahyo, pays tribute to his closest people who have shaped his life’s journey. The song serves as a reminder to persevere despite facing various challenges in life. With its dark elegiac melody and atmosphere, “Memento” presents a personal reflection that can be universally felt, embracing listeners in an intimate emotional embrace.
On the other hand, “A Ghost’s Bitterness in Its Charming Home” takes a more experimental approach through the concept of “maximizing-everything”—a band’s effort to create a new dimension in shoegaze. Written by Dewi N. Sutrisno, the song tells a poignant story about trauma, dysfunctional families, and the struggle to find peace. Its poetic yet poignant lyrics give voice to those trapped in unhealed wounds.
These releases excel not only in lyrics but also in the complexity of arrangements. “Memento” starts with contrasting acoustic guitar notes leading to heavy distortion climaxes, while “A Ghost’s Bitterness in Its Charming Home” immediately engages listeners with a chaotic breakcore intro.
Collaborating with new vocalist Dewi N. Sutrisno adds a layer of melancholic vocals, complemented by synthesizer touches and a third guitar from Viko. Ryan Shidqi’s fry-scream (Fleurocracy), blast-beat drumming, and double pedal techniques create an unexpected burst of energy. Other experiments like using an expression pedal for pinch harmonic effects, sub-bass 808, spoken words, and tape-saturated guitar recordings enrich the texture of both songs.
The transitions between soft and hard parts, embracing melodies and crushing riffs, define Contemporary Art’s musical identity. These songs are designed as emotional explosions: dark yet hopeful, vulnerable yet rooted in strength. Contemporary Art invites listeners to delve into every layer of meaning through an unusual musical journey. The maxi-single is available on all digital platforms starting March 7, 2025. Get ready to feel heartbeats, inner screams, and hidden beauty behind the noise—a perfect reflection of the complex human soul.