Andy or also known as Baba Andy is one of the local male artist that I follow ever since he was in the underground band called Flop Poppy all the way back to the early 90s. When an announcement by Custones Production for the pre-order of his latest masterpiece popped up on my FB, I did not hesitate to put in an order immediately. Based on Andy's previous works, I know I will enjoy the new songs. However, what is unique about this album is Custones Productions first album release.
Custones Productions was formed on 26 Dec 2020 as a record label providing pre and post audio/video production and also artist/band management services. Basically the A-Z of producing and releasing your music to the public. The company is managed by skillful team members lead by music producer cum engineer; Y8 a.ka. Faraque Daud under his privately owned Y8Studio in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
Packaging of this CD album was nicely done in a Custones box with also a thank you note. For those who pre-ordered the CD, it arrived a day before the official release of the album. I immediately put on the CD into my McIntosh MCD350 SACD player and got hooked onto the 1st song called Lukiskan Aku Hati which is now my favourite track on this album.
The album consists of 8 great tracks:
- Lukiskan Aku Hati - vibes from the 70/80s, a touch of Earth, Wind and Fire type of music. A fun, catchy song. It stuck in my mind throughout the whole day and it made me cover it on my drums later that evening. Not an easy one actually. Lots of shuffling.
- Dan Ku Akui - the guitar plucking throughout the track, percussion and I believe is some trumpet works reminds me of some great Latin tunes.
- Lain - Yes yes another great drum works on this track. A mixture of U2 and Radiohead.
- Terus - A slower ballad in which I can feel Andy's emotional side though his passion on this track.
- Read The Book - One cannot shy away from thinking that this is a remix of Mrs. Robinson by Simon & Garfunkel the first time listening to it. But as you keep on listening to it, you will realise is not even close to Mrs. Robinson. The tune is another fun to listen and play along.
- Aku Suami Mu - Such a sweet tune. Reminds me a bit of Noh Salleh's attempt on his Angin Kencang EP. However, again, keep on listening and I realise this is actually a very refreshing song. With a little bit of Barry White in it, strong bass line and lots of open-close hihat works here.
- Aku Tahu - Similar to track 3, lots of U2 influence here but with Andy's excellent bass line. The drum works sound quite basic but blended in nicely. The guitar works on this track sounded raw but refreshing at the same time.
- Sebelum Aku Tidur - The slowest tempo song on this album aptly name Before I Sleep. Not really my taste but I can feel Andy's emotion singing this song.
Now, on the sound quality. I believe Y8 and his team did a marvelous job for their first official production. This album indeed was mixed, mastered and produced with neutrality in mind. There was no specific focus on any particular frequency range. However, neutral here does not mean flat. The dynamics and energy coming from this CD made me move my feet and shake my head to the beat while working from home throughout the day. Now, for those who follow my reviews will know that one of my way to appreciate a good product or album is when it can deliver that high emotional aspect into my listening pleasure. The music and sound quality from this album did exactly that. Y8 and his team managed to surface up musical instruments at a level where it highlights the best of how it should sound. My favourite bit is of course the drum works and also the bass line. On top of that, despite of all these highlights, Andy's vocal was not lost nor submerged in the music but blend rather harmoniously.
All and all, I would say:
9/10 - music quality
9/10 - sound quality
