Album Review: Nori Kotjok Lain Dulu Lain Sekarang by Dompet Maimoenah
Alright, buckle up, folks. We’re diving into Nori Kotjok Lain Dulu Lain Sekarang, the quirky little pop gem from Indonesia that somehow manages to feel both nostalgic and fresh at the same time. Released under Irama Records with Orkes Gambang Kromong Sinar Kramat backing things up (shoutout to leader Phang Tong Wie for keeping it real), this album is like your grandma’s recipe book—familiar but full of surprises.
First off, let’s talk about “Lain Dulu Lain Sekarang.” This track hits you right in the feels without even trying too hard. It’s got that classic Indonesian pop vibe mixed with some old-school Gambang Kromong flavor, which makes it sound like a street festival on a sunny afternoon. The lyrics? Super relatable if you’ve ever looked back at life and thought, “Man, everything was simpler back then.” But here’s the kicker—it doesn’t wallow in sadness. Instead, it’s more like a cheeky reminder to appreciate where you are now. You’ll find yourself humming along before realizing you don’t actually know all the words because they’re in Bahasa Indonesia. Oops.
Then there’s “Nori Kotjok,” the title track that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. What’s wild about this one is how playful it feels. Like, imagine someone took bubble wrap, sprinkled it with sugar, and turned it into a song. That’s “Nori Kotjok” for ya. The melody bounces around so much that you almost forget it’s technically pop music. There’s something oddly satisfying about its simplicity—it sticks to your brain like gum under a school desk. And honestly? I kinda love it for that.
Now, here’s the thing about this album: it’s not trying to reinvent the wheel or anything. But maybe that’s why it works. It’s unapologetically itself, blending traditional sounds with modern touches in a way that feels authentic rather than forced. Sure, some parts might feel a bit rough around the edges, but hey—that just adds character, right?
In conclusion, Nori Kotjok Lain Dulu Lain Sekarang isn’t gonna change your life or anything dramatic like that. But what it will do is give you a solid playlist for lazy Sunday mornings or those moments when you need a little pick-me-up. Oh, and fun fact: listening to this album makes me want to eat nasi goreng while dancing awkwardly in my living room. Not sure if that’s intentional, but props to Dompet Maimoenah either way.
