Nusantara Beat – ‘Nusantara Beat’ album review: A stunning debut from the Indonesian psych outfit
On their expansive debut album, Amsterdam-based Indonesian psychedelic outfit Nusantara Beat introduces the world to their captivating blend of traditional roots and spaced-out grooves, putting them firmly at the forefront of the modern psych renaissance.
The Skinny: Contrary to what certain ex-hippies would have you believe, the far-out world of psychedelia did not start and end within the confines of San Francisco’s Bay Area back in the 1960s; it is a sound which has its roots in a lot of traditional music, taken from all across the globe. Anatolia, for instance, has produced some of the all-time greatest psychedelic masters past and present, and now, the traditional sounds of Indonesia are being rendered in infectious psychedelia, too, thanks to Nusantara Beat.
Despite this being the band’s full-length debut, they have been jobbing around for the past few years, notably releasing a string of incredible singles via Bongo Joe. However, with their self-titled effort, the group expands upon their preexisting repertoire tenfold.
Moving gracefully from retro-infused surf-rock riffs to lush, spaced-out soundscapes, all accompanied by the beautiful tones of Megan de Klerk, the record flows perfectly, but that doesn’t detract from its unwavering sense of ambition.
As far as debut albums go, there aren’t many which are quite as expansive or ambitious as Nusantara Beat. Not only do the band marry the traditional sounds of their native Indonesia with a contemporary pop approach, but along the way they soak up everything from old-school funk to classic rock.
No two songs sound the same, as shown clearly by the singles ‘Tamat’ and ‘Ke Masa Lalu’, which contrast down-and-dirty garage riffs with ethereal hypnosis. Yet, those tracks come together to create an utterly captivating listening experience.
The Verdict: Nusantara Beat’s eponymous debut is a psychedelic masterstroke, bringing the traditional sounds of Indonesia onto a global stage while simultaneously paying homage to what you can only assume is the incredibly extensive record collection of the band themselves.
Defining song: ‘Tamat’
Release date: November 14th, 2025 | Label: Glitterbeat
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out New Music Newsletter
All the latest New Music from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.