The Regards, a ska outfit from Tangerang, are back with new material — their first release in three years. This orkes parlente (a large, brass-heavy ensemble) drops the single “Euforia,” and true to form, the release date lands on Workers’ Day, May 1st. Same vocabulary, same conviction: the track is built as a knot that ties together the daily grind of working people — the struggle, the exhaustion, and the thing that must survive all of it. The celebration.

From the first count-in, this up-stroke-driven composition makes room for joy immediately. The brass department — held down by Maulana Yusuf on trombone and Rizal Polii lifting the trumpet — gets a fresh infusion from saxophonist Wisnu Wardana. Together, they sharpen a ska call that hasn’t rung out clearly in this country for some time. In between, Husnay slips through with warm organ tones and nimble staccato runs, thickening the rhythmic texture while laying down a melodic layer that’s light but does its job. Bagus Adi and Gerry L Fauzi weave a steady skank on rhythm guitar, Odongpejjj’s bass keeps the groove warm and grounded, and Gilang Fresandy’s drumming pushes enough energy to keep bodies moving. Production is tight without losing its grit — sessions tracked across Rotes Rathaus Studio and Djogja Studio blend into a dense, well-aired mix where every element has room to breathe.

Over that musical foundation, Anjar Tri Harjanto works as narrator, staying honest to the rhythm while driving the off-beat home with clean articulation. This time he’s joined by Tri Rinda (Santasantap), who lends her voice to select passages. Lines like “Lepaskan saja risau yang kau genggam, sambut euforia” — “let go of the worry you’re gripping, welcome the euphoria” — form the track’s emotional axis: a friendly invitation that carries the weight of actual lived experience, spoken by people embedded in many collectives. The contrast between the exhaustion in the words and the energy in the music is the song’s sharpest move — “kerja berhari tak berwarna,” days of colorless work. That’s the indictment and the remedy in the same breath. Dance to “Euforia.”

This one’s a firm recommendation for the month. The Regards remain consistent in celebrating ska and the working class — which means, quietly, this outfit still believes what Prince Buster once said about the people and ska: “Ska really portrays the voice of the people!” Happy May Day.”

(Keyko, Sam)