It is indeed necessary to mention that word "sore" wasn't taken from English at all. In the thesaurus, sore means "an open skin infection, roused to anger, and etc". But, sore here, in context of the band's name, is an Indonesian (also Malay, of course) word for "afternoon". Such naming actually has correlation not only with all band members who love afternoon atmosphere, but also their albums' concept. In some interviews with Southeastern Asia magazines, they said
Centralismo is much brighter. Just analogize the album with afternoon atmosphere; you can say it is about 3 until 4 p.m. where tropical weather still compels one sweat (those who live in that time zone certainly understand that condition). Meanwhile, the sophomore
Ports of Lima is adequately darker, it is about 4 until 6 p.m. where many say it is the best time to relax while perhaps have a cup of coffee, with the finest quality of cigar in hand, and feel the fresh breeze whispering upon the face; oh, what a beautiful day, isn't it? Also, word "lima" itself does not refer to capital city of Peru, Lima, but five o'clock postmeridian (again, right? It's all about afternoon). Honestly, a concept like this means nothing if Sore failed to harmonize between musical mood and lyrical theme. Fortunately, they succeed.
Ports of Lima is written in similar way to
Centralismo, there is no any significant change of musical direction, except music mood itself. True, Sore are indeed eclectic both in music and lyrics. Therefore, this disposition has made them write most of the lyrics in their native language. Basically, they can speak English fluently (few of them have studied in US), and could write simple and common English lyrics if the want. But, once more, the eclecticism has made Sore only able to write poetic and metaphorical-inclined lyrics in their mother-tongue language. The lyrics are indeed absurd and surreal, hard to absorb and understand as what Keith Reid, Donald Fagen and Steely Dan ever did in their 70s works. Track "Vrijeman" for instance, it is a Dutch word for "free-man", and after Indonesianization process, it has become "preman". The title and its lyrics give a sort of nostalgia feel of old era when people still mentioned today Indonesia as Dutch East Indies, and or today Jakarta as Batavia. As whole, the lyrics are fairly literature-minded, and yes, this approach could be a bit pretentious sometimes. However, with all respect, their efforts deserve a high appreciation.
To say hard to define their music genre because they don't stick to any established one, perhaps not an excessive statement. Sore are not bunch of fanatic bastard who just adhere to a certain style or genre.
Ports of Lima is their cogent evidence, which leant by strong feel of psychedelic, chamber, jazz, ambient, and all at once experimental within range of pop and rock umbrella. In a few passages you may find The Beatles-esque tunes in it. Moreover, track like "Bogor Biru" and "Come by Sanjurou" also give somewhat (old) cinematic feel combined with thrilling choir as the background. As ever said before,
Ports of Lima is darker and a bit more gloomy than
Centralismo, however, the using of virtual mellotron and vibraphone have made a vintage impression upon the record as whole. Listening to it, what you will get is just melancholic smile, not such a cheerful and upbeat tune as partly
Centralismo. With all band members getting the chance to be lead singer, at least in one song, Sore have toughened one of their musical plus aspects. Either keyboardist Ramondo Gascaro, guitarist Ade Paloh, or even drummer Bemby Pramudya are able to show-off their singing ability. And each one of them has different vocal character that takes the album away from monotonous situation. So, that's why this great album worth listening!
*
Essential Tracks: Come by Sanjurou, Bogor Biru, Essensimo, and In 1997 The Bullet Was Shy
**
Note:
- Bogor Biru:
Blue Bogor
- Senyum Dari Selatan:
Smile From the South
- Merintih Perih:
Groaning In Pain
- Layu:
Fade
- Setengah Lima:
4:30 P.M.
- Apatis Ria :
Happily Apathetic
***
Line-up:
Ade Firza Paloh -
Guitar, Vocals
Awan Garnida -
Bass, Vocals
Ramondo Gascaro -
Keyboard, Vocals, Composer
Reza Dwi Putranto -
Guitar, Vocals
Bemby Gusti Pramudya -
Drums, Vocals
Dono Firman -
Synthesizer, Keyboard, Guitars
