Well here's something I think you all will like! Barpinson is the solo project from Prabu Pramayougha, whom you might know from Indonesian pop-punk greats Saturday Night Karaoke. Population is the name of the debut EP. If you just glanced at the cover art, you might not have any idea what kind of music awaits you when you push play. No, this is not an emo record at all. It's classic power pop with just a touch of '90s pop-punk and alt rock influence. On this EP, Prabu really shows his love for Stiff Records and late '70s/early '80s new wave/power pop in general (he even covers "Foreign Girls" by The Tours).
What I appreciate about these songs is that they go a little deeper lyrically than power pop songs typically do. "Freaky Adoration" reflects on why so many people spend so much time attacking and demonizing people they don't even know. "Don't you think it's kinda odd to hate someone a lot?" is a perfect lyric that really hits the nail on the head. In the most thoughtful way, Prabu asks all the hate-mongers out there to reflect on their choices....and to get a life! "Dance Off!", driven by the refrain "Baby, baby, baby, keep on dancing," is pretty self-explanatory. Inspired by the research of psychologist Dr. Clare Mehta's, "Mid 30s" finds Prabu reflecting on his own experiences navigating "established adulthood." Again, this is heady stuff for a power pop song, but the music and lyrics never feel disjointed.
All in all, Barpinson's debut EP is a highly promising effort that ought to please fans of both power pop and pop-punk. It shows a slightly different side of Prabu Pramayougha — reflecting both his musical and personal growth in recent years. I myself have aged past that "rush hour of life," but I can sure remember being there like it was just yesterday. I really dig this record and hope this is not the last we hear from Barpinson!
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