MATA HATI

Here's some ethno-coloured instrumental fusion from Indonesia. The composer and guitarist Tohpati has formerly played in a prog fusion group SimakDialog -- not that I'd known them either in advance. The opening track 'Janger' features Czech Symphony Orchestra, which gorgeously finishes its pomposity. As a whole the album keeps rushing ahead with excellent electric guitar playing and complex rhythmic structures. The tight, superbly produced sound is enrichened by suling flute and tarompet (= Indonesian clarinet). The ethnic elements are, most of all, an ingredient without becoming very central in the compositions per se. For example PIIRPAUKE from Finland made much more world music oriented ethno-fusion in the 70's. Basically this quintet continues the Western tradition of virtuotic, guitar dominated jazz rock in the vein of FRANK ZAPPA and MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA. And they really rock! A bit too much for my taste, actually.

One can only imagine the powerful impression this group would make on stage, when already listening to the album is such an energetic experience. Indeed there are no weak tracks on this 51-minute album, but perhaps a couple of slower and more peaceful compositions amidst all the panache would have done good for the dynamics. Now those calmer moments have been narrowed into tiny doses such as in the beginning of 'Pangkur'. So, my firm recommendation goes especially for the friends of fiery fusion with a taste for ethnic elements too.