About

“Ex-Sun City Girls member Alan Bishop and his band Koes Barat will release their self-titled album on Sub Pop for Record Store Day (April 18; the label's other RSD release is Father John Misty's heart-shaped "I Loved You, Honeybee" 7-inch). The 11-track album reflects Bishop's obsession with the popular '60s/'70s Indonesian psych-garage group Koes Bersaudara (aka Koes Plus), who were composed of the Koeswoyos brothers. For Koes Barat, Bishop enlisted Master Musicians of Bukkake members Milky Burgess (guitar), Don McGreevy (drums), Jim Davis (bass), and Randall Dunn (producer) to help him cover these vibrant, insanely catchy, and emotionally resonant tunes with gusto and reverence. This new full-length builds upon the two archival releases that Sublime Frequencies (Bishop's label, with Hisham Mayet) issued in 2010; both are now out of print, but Koes Barat is an excellent portal into Indonesian psych/garage rock's wily charms." – The Stranger

“Kelelewar” and “Kisah Sedih di Hari Minggu” burst with late 60’s buzz. Both tracks frequently recalling the charm found on the original recordings. “Pent Juri Hati” brings some much needed heat to the record. Fuzz riffs fly, Bishop is ferocious, and the band barely keeps it on the tracks. “Mister Time” comes off as the well recorded pop track the Sun City Girls forgot to release on Sumatran Electric Chair starring Bishop’s precarious alter ego, Uncle Jim. “Land of Evergreen” finds Bishop and band letting the sunshine in, allowing for some serious joy to inhabit the speakers for just under two wonderful minutes. Koes Barat is a record that is special in the sense that you really feel Bishop’s affection for the songs. It’s as gratifying to the listener as it’s been for Bishop to re-create.” – Big Take Over

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