Harum Manis, formed in 2014 and now consisting of just Sulthon Kamil on vocals, guitar, and piano, has gone through various genres over the years, spanning everything from indie rock to hip-hop to folk. Therefore, despite being their debut, “Hentikan Pernikahan Ini,” a baroque pop album, clearly demonstrates the skill of singer-songwriter Sulthon Kamil as a skilled songwriter, both musically and lyrically.

Hentikan Pernikahan Ini continues the writing and sound characteristics of “Bangkit Usai Pesta”: pop with simple chord progressions and minimalist structures, whose arrangements rely on three main instruments: piano, bass, and drums, supporting the rich melodies of the orchestral accompaniment throughout the album. Inspired by Fiona Apple and Leonard Cohen, Harum Manis successfully transforms repetition and compositional simplicity into a key strength in its songwriting; deepening the meaning while simultaneously breaking down the barriers to emotion, transparently conveyed through its lyrics.

Recommended If You Like:

Grand piano, Leonard Cohen’s descriptions of sex, The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928), DIY orchestra, makeshift eavesdropping devices, Steve Albini’s quiet-loud dynamic, unsent letters, The Idler Wheel… (2012), heart-shaped trinkets.

Tracklist
Side A
1.⁠ ⁠Tubuh Yang Padam Tersulut
2.⁠ ⁠⁠Hafalan Luar Kepala
3.⁠ ⁠⁠Gelandang

Side B
1.⁠ ⁠Ku Kenakan Cicinmu
2.⁠ ⁠⁠Seumur Hidup Kan Ku Habiskan
3.⁠ ⁠⁠Bangkit Usai Pesta
4.⁠ ⁠⁠Baju Pengantin
5.⁠ ⁠⁠Epilog