Dewangga Sakti – Arus Deras (IMAWARI Records, 2021)
Malaysian band Dewangga Sakti released their album Arus Deras in 2021, timed to coincide with Malaysia Day. The album launch, which included the band’s first official music video for the song “Malaysia Sejahtera,” was organized in collaboration with Tempatan Fest, a group promoting local Malaysian talent and products.
The music on Arus Deras is a mix of accessible songs that intertwine tradition with pop influences, as well as captivating songs and instrumentals that are deeply grounded in tradition.
The title Arus Deras metaphorically reflects the fast pace of modern life, especially during the global uncertainties brought about by the pandemic. The album features 11 tracks, including 7 vocal compositions and 4 instrumental pieces, with a total runtime of 57 minutes. It was released in a CD digipak format, accompanied by a 32-page booklet written by calligrapher Azman Azhar, who is also a band member. The album design was crafted by Azmaniac, and the sleeve photography was done by Jo Ghazali, a notable name in Malaysian film and TV.
The album also includes guest appearances by renowned Malaysian bamboo flute player Mohar, who performed on two tracks. The recording, mixing, and mastering were done at Hotsound Studio in Kuala Lumpur by Muhammad, with assistance from Ikhwan.
Founded in 2000, Dewangga Sakti blends traditional Malay folk music with modern influences, creating a distinctive sound that fuses ethnic melodies with contemporary styles. Their debut release, Mabok Kepayang (2008), was an EP featuring five original compositions. The band’s music often incorporates instruments like the oud, accordion, and traditional percussion, complemented by the vocals of Edie Nazrin, the 2006 winner of Malaysia’s national folk singing competition, Juara Bintang Asli Remaja Kebangsaan.
Musicians: Edie Nazrin on vocals; Azman Azahar on acoustic and electric guitar, bass, backing vocals; Zulkifli Ramli on oud, cura saz, petir, backing vocals; Irwan Effendy on accordion; electric and acoustic guitar, keyboard, backing vocals; Wahyun Anwar on rebana, darbuka, kompang, floor tom, shaker, tamborim, backing vocals; and Abdul Raof Salhudin on rebana, darbuka, kompang, floor tom, shaker, petir, and backing vocals.
Buy Arus Deras.
Author: Tyler Bennet
