Seventh Heaven: Sheila On 7 returns with more fun, spirited rock

It’s funny how, when you call yourself a “serious” music fan, certain genres and lyrical concerns automatically fall into the “unworthy of serious inspection” category. Actually, wait; “inspection” might already be too big of a word. Maybe the “unworthy of even a glance” category would be more appropriate.

Sheila On 7 (SO7) know all about those categories. They were the undoubted breakthrough band that galvanised the Indonesian music industry in the late 90s. Leaving aside the obvious Oasis influence on their self-titled 1999 debut, this was a band that, over time, made soaring guitar pop statements like Kisah Klasik Untuk Masa Depan, bittersweet stunners like 07 Des and horn-heavy rockers like Pejantan Teguh (aka Pria Terhebat in Malaysia) as well as the soundtrack for 30 Hari Mencari Cinta, in which every single song on the album was recorded by them.

Yet, despite massive commercial success and creation of their very own signature sound–which to this day, very few have managed to replicate–it remains a real wonder how SO7 have never been taken seriously by “serious” fans.

Nevertheless, they’re back. After a two-year absence, SO7 returned last year with Menentukan Arah. While still ballad-heavy and lacking in the upbeat numbers of their first two albums, the latest release resembles the band’s third release 07 Des in spirit and sound. “We never want to make the same album twice,” says guitarist and principal songwriter Eross Candra, chatting after a sound check for the band’s December 2008 show for the Livesounds Music Series in Kuala Lumpur. “But after the previous two albums, Pejantan Teguh and 507, in which we went for a not-so-straightforward sound, we just wanted to reconnect with the simple joys of making music–to return to something simpler.”

The move to simplicity is also a response to the band's fans, affectionately called “Sheilagank". "[They] have been pestering us to make something simpler and more accessible for years now, you know, so that they can get into it easier and sing along with us at our shows faster," says Eross. “So this new album is also kind of a special gift from us to all the Sheilagank out there.”

As frontman Akhdiyat Duta Modjo adds, “Good music does not necessarily have to be complicated.” Indeed, unlike the sad and mellow feel of 07 Des, Menentukan Arah is a lot more hopeful and uplifting. “We never plan what each album will sound like in advance actually,” says Eross, explaining why there’s such a contrast in sounds. “The more likely reason is that each album represents a certain phase in our lives and listening habits. Take for example Pejantan Teguh–at that time we were just very much into how the Brian Setzer Orchestra and Silverchair incorporated horns into their music, so we thought that it would be fun to try it too.”

If there is one constant in SO7’s music, it is that they have never failed to sound sincere. And after all these years, that sense of sincerity remains. “If you’re honest, people will see that, and only then can they connect with your songs,” says Duta. “There’s nothing more satisfying for us than to have the audience singing along with us, and enjoying the songs as much as we’re enjoying playing and singing them.”

As with founding members of many veteran bands, Eross recently ventured out with a side project called Jagostu, which he describes as “a bit more of a party band”. “SO7’s kind of an outlet for the more personal songs,” he continues. “So no nihilistic songs for SO7, that’s for sure.”

To have a band remain so steadfastly consistent even as it enters its 13th year of existence is a refreshing sight. With bands like this, who needs serious music.

Words Aidil Photo Livesounds

www.myspace.com/sheilasonic

*Taken from JUNK's March 2009 issue