Caltonettes Serenade just released their debut LP. This ska-rocksteady music unit from Jakarta really brings such a work that comes with tons of courtesy to what they believe in. All tracks in “Serenada” from the Caltonettes Serenade does sound like a big reverence to ska. For almost 45 minutes we enjoy the songs that come with a guarantee to make you sway and amaze you for their own musical maturity at the same time.

The second track “Moon Has Fallen” surprises with a thoughtful dub at the end part of the song, reminiscent of Dennis Bovell‘s signature. “Am I Wrong”, on the other hand, brings a softer touch of a major to minor chord transition accompanied by the genius of an organ fill who respectfully takes over the sweet grooves that were created earlier by the  brass department.

“Afternoon Detective” as the 7th track is so luxurious, one of the tracks that can be a dancehall crasher type of a song. This track is like a spotlight that alternately highlights the superiority of the instruments from the Caltonettes Serenade after 6 songs that lulled the listeners by the vocal maturity of the frontwoman, Novel.

“Serenada” is like a fancy cask made of precious wood, accompanying the musical maturity distillation of Caltonettes Serenade. The totality they did in the name of the ska-rocksteady interpretation was indeed very respectful, starting from the lyrics to the special treatment of the audio department. “Serenada” is a serving of 9 ska compositions of pure, well ageing ripe steps!

(Sam)