Review: Margasatwa’s “Seribudaya” Album Launch Was A Night Of Musical Fusion & Cultural Celebration

Margasatwa, Malaysia’s genre-blending band, made a powerful return with the launch of their highly-anticipated second album, “Seribudaya,” at RCDBIG Studio, Shah Alam, on 30th November 2024.

The event, titled “Gempita Alam Seribudaya,” wasn’t just a concert – it was a celebration of culture, music and the band’s artistic evolution.

The Concept Behind “Seribudaya“

Kimal, the band’s frontman, took the time to explain the meaning behind the album’s title, “Seribudaya,” which can be interpreted in different ways. “Seribu daya,” with translates to “a thousand efforts” – is a fitting reflection of the band’s dedication to their craft. But Kimal shared that the name is more accurately interpreted as “Seri budaya,” or “a shining culture,” linking the album to the rich cultural heritage woven throughout the band’s music. This moment of storytelling added a personal touch to the evening, making it feel more intimate, despite the venue not being at full capacity.

A Tribute To The Past, A Vision For The Future

Kimal revealed the journey behind “Seribudaya,” disclosing that work on the album actually began in 2021 with the late Tony Iskandar, a renowned bassist from the band Spider. However, following Tony’s passing later that year, the project came to a temporary halt. The band then collaborated with Loque from “MonoloQue” to complete the album. This emotional backstory added depth to the performance, with a heartfelt tribute through the songs “Sang Puteri“ for Tony and “Cek Mek Molek“ for the late Datuk M. Daud Kilau.

During the intermission, the energy of the concert dipped a bit, with Kimal’s engaging talks stretching the break a little longer than expected. Though the venue wasn’t packed, the band didn’t hold back – they gave their all in every song.

Cultural Fusion: Traditional Meets Rock

One of the standout features of the night was the cultural infusion. A Randai performance by Kumpulan Sanggar Pandeka was a breathtaking moment. This traditional Malay performance added a rich layer to the show, bridging the gap between modern rock and ancient cultural practices. For me, it was a refreshing, eye-opening experience that highlighted the depth of Malaysia’s cultural roots.

The night’s energy surged as Margasatwa’s fusion of traditional Malay music with modern rock electrified the crowd. The concert began with the soft melodies of traditional Malay instruments like the flute, setting a powerful tone for the night. As the band made their entrance, the crowd was immediately drawn into their world of musical storytelling, where past hits like “Asmara Botol Kaca” and “Merpati” flowed seamlessly alongside new tracks from “Seribudaya.”

The Power Of Music & The “Seribudaya“ Experience

Musically, Margasatwa showcased the depth of their artistry. From the acoustic simplicity of “Aroma Kopi“ to the hard-hitting rock vibe of “Blues Sang Pemalu,” their versatility was on full display. The tracks from “Seribudaya“ flowed seamlessly into the setlist, with songs like “Setelah Itu“ and “Seribu daya“ bringing a sense of nostalgia and newness simultaneously.

The night concluded with an explosive encore featuring crowd favorites like “Orang Laut“ and “Lelaki Romansa.” The final song, “Asmara Botol Kaca,” brought the house down, a perfect end to a memorable show.

While the attendance wasn’t as high as expected, Margasatwa delivered a night of spectacular music, rich culture, and raw emotion. They proved that music isn’t just about the number of people in the room – it’s about the passion behind every note. The lighting, stage design, and instrumental arrangements, including brass and percussion, elevated the overall experience, making it clear that this wasn’t just a concert; it was a cultural event.

As “Seribudaya“ continues to resonate, Margasatwa’s commitment to merging the past with the present stands strong. Their music isn’t just entertainment; it’s an exploration of Malaysia’s heart and soul. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out “Seribudaya” – it’s an album that captures the essence of Margasatwa and their mission to bring traditional Malay music to the forefront of modern rock.

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