It isn’t often that a band can make a legitimate claim at making a cultural impact on, or even before, their debut album is released, however, it is one that Voice Of Baceprot (or VOB) can certainly make. Hailing from a largely conservative Muslim province and nation in Singajaya, outside of Garut, West Java, Indonesia, the fact the band consists of three young, hijab-wearing women has generated plenty of ire. 

Their notions of empowerment have garnered considerable attention both at home and beyond, however, including live performances at Wacken Festival and a “Connections Through Culture Grant” for 2021/22 with The WOW Foundation, UK. Needless to say, they are rightfully making an impact, and as their debut album Retas (12wired Records) shows, they certainly have the music to back this up with.

Previously noted for various covers including the likes of Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Metallica, and Rage Against The Machine, their own material is suitably and expectedly infectious and vibrant from the off despite being a difficult sound to pinpoint, whilst their powerful and heartfelt messages certainly aren’t. The album opener ‘Whats the Holy (Nobel) Today’ shows a very prominent and driving bassline throughout with an impassioned, punky vocal delivery for the most part, exclaiming an anti-war message which adds to the reminiscence of Rage Against The Machine. The proceeding ‘PMS’ is a comparatively more melodic entity, certainly vocally (in this case sung in Sundanese), before ‘Age Orientated’ moves to pure thrash metal territory with aggressive guitar riffs and rage-filled vocals. 

The message throughout Retas certainly directs to their unique position in their homeland’s culture whilst equally proving universal at times. From the aforementioned subject of war to topics of empowerment, the environmental crisis (‘The Enemy Of Earth is You’), and support for victims of sexual abuse and violence (the powerful ‘(Not) Public Property’) which shows an immense level of bravery for such a young act. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yln6Qfs3gFE

Retas shows a great maturity in songwriting which brings together some very familiar sounds and styles in a way that does seem wholly unique to VOB themselves. From contemporary Metal to thrashier territory and even funk-like elements, the instant nature coupled with their message makes this a hugely exciting prospect. Such bands are hugely important and are to be applauded and thankfully their music has proven to be potent enough to not only back this power, but should be the key to be able to share their message further. 

Buy the album here:

https://www.voiceofbaceprot.com/

8 / 10

CHRIS TIPPELL