Strawberry Rain continue to dig deep into the 60s / 70s Indonesian rock scene with these four releases covering Benny Soebardja’s 70s private press records. Benny Soebardja, the self-proclaimed founder of the private press scene and by all accounts one of the most important figures from the Indonesian music industry finally gets his due with these reissues. Having been a member of bands such as The Peels, Shark Move and the infamous Giant Step, Benny left his mark across many memorable albums throughout the years, including his contributions to the recent Those Shocking, Shaking Days compilation (which was curated by Strawberry Rain’s MoSS) on Now Again. During the mid 70′s, Benny also recorded solo efforts, which many regard as some of the best music to ever surface from the region. With the help of British poet Bob Dook, Benny recorded numerous English based songs filled with incredible musicianship and melodies that have an underlying progressive nature. Backed by the almost unknown Lizard (which contained members of both Giant Step and Harry Roesli’s Philosophy Gang), his solo efforts are in line with the sound of his other bands, yet stand on their own as a unique progressive offering.
Having almost been signed to Virgin Records UK in the 70′s as a part of Giant Step, his talents were apparent and would be world renown by this time if not for his music being lost within Indonesia all these years. Here, for the first time we present to you his first three private press solo efforts, Lizard, Gut Rock and Night Train. Unlike many bands within the Indonesian scene, Benny had no label influence while recording these offerings, making them true private press recordings without any filler. All three albums are included as a 2 x CD set with a 36 page booklet full of concert photo’s, album covers and information about Benny’s musical history. In addition, you can pick up each as a true-to-original vinyl reissue. Choices abound!
Benny Soebardja The Lizard Years (SR002) | 2x CD with 36 page book | For more info, audio samples and to pre-order click here.
Benny Soebardja Lizard (SR002A) | LP – only 125 copies available WORLDWIDE | For more info, audio samples and to pre-order click here.
Benny Soebardja Gut Rock (SR002B) | LP - 500 copies available WORLDWIDE | For more info, audio samples and to pre-order click here.
Benny Soebardja Night Train (SR002C) | LP - 500 copies available WORLDWIDE | For more info, audio samples and to pre-order click here.
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