ALAM RAYA

Abbhama's Alam Raya is one of those curiosities that you have to recognise and give more marks for effort than for execution.

It's a one-off album released in 1978 not long after better Indonesian prog albums like Giant Step's Giant On The Move and the self-titled Guruh Gypsy album.

I admire vocalist/pianist Iwan Madjid for coming out with this but there will be a few things that will require some patience ? his high-pitched female-sounding voice, the cheesy keyboards chosen, the overall dated production and the mixed nature of the compositions.

This obvious straightaway when the opener Kembali kicks off with a pop disco groove that suddenly turns into a Weather Report-influenced instrumental break. The playing is great but the sounds can be a little Japanese jazz fusion band Casiopea ? too plastic.

This is repeated throughout the album with songs like Asmara, Karam and the title track. ELP/Genesis influences on the keyboard by Oni, charming flute lines, good melodies ? but still lacking that killer punch to make it essential.

Just a note for the longest track - simply called Indonesia - which is my favourite cut here. Again it begins with some bewitching flute and oboe from band members Dharma and Hendro.The vocal portion is not that interesting but the keyboard breaks on organ, piano and synth are clear statements of intent from a prog perspective. Then the song ends with another round of cascading woodwinds and strings. I like it a lot but think it could have been more. Like the album itself.

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