Panturas releases new maxi-single featuring ‘Knights Of Wahnam’ and ‘Soma Gospel’
The Panturas, an emerging surf-rock band from Jatinangor, recently unveiled a new musical direction with the release of two songs, ‘Knights of Lapannam’ and ‘Soma Gospel’. Despite their signature surf rock sound infused with local and archipelago flavors, the band members, Surya Fikri, Bagus Patria, Abyan Zaki, and Dan Rizal Taufik, embarked on a journey of musical exploration through this latest release.
Referring to the new singles, Surya Fikri, also known as Kuya, expressed that these offerings marked a significant departure from their previous works. All of the tracks were meticulously crafted from scratch, reflecting their commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging themselves. Kuya further shared his pleasant surprise at the outcome of this intensive workshop process, underscoring the band’s dedication to experimentation and musical innovation.
Drawing inspiration from their shared spiritual experiences and collective tribulations in recent years, the band poured their emotions and reflections into these songs. Abyan Zaki, aka Acin, noted that ‘Knights of Lapannam’ and ‘Soma Gospel’ served as poignant reminders of an impending apocalypse, encapsulating the tumultuous events that have unfolded around them. The evocative lyrics and melodies encapsulate the band’s musings on existential crises and the transient nature of life.
Musically, these tracks build upon the experimental ethos of their previous work, ‘Galura Tropicalika’, taking their sound to greater depths while retaining an organic flow. Rather than catering to exoticism for the sake of novelty, The Panturas aimed to integrate Sundanese elements as an artistic touch rather than a mere cultural gimmick. A testament to their artistic integrity, the band sought to weave these elements seamlessly into their compositions, transcending mere surface-level appeal.
Unveiling fresh layers of creativity, the band introduced English lyrics, evoked 1970s reggae vibes within Sundanese nuances, and experimented with more progressive arrangements. Bagus Patria, fondly known as Gogon, highlighted the infectious bassline inspired by 70s reggae, infusing a competitive yet melodic quality into the tracks. This novel approach demonstrated their versatility while catering to a diverse audience encompassing garage music enthusiasts and surf-rock aficionados.
Collaborating with producer Ricky Surya Virgana, The Panturas underwent a meticulous production process, delving into intricate songwriting, foundation-building, and dynamic arrangement. Through this collaboration, the band likened the producer to a seasoned tutor guiding them through meticulous rehearsals, ensuring precision in their performances. This partnership enabled the band to refine their sound and elevate their musicality, resulting in a seamless integration of diverse influences and innovative experimentation.