Available on black wax

Tropical Desert is the debut album from Indonesian instrumental band BABON, a mesmerizing collection of stories exploring environmental collapse and societal breakdown. Tales of frustration and desperation in the face of environmental collapse, the album serves as a stark warning and an invitation to rekindle our relationship to our surroundings.

The band was formed by Rayi and Wahyudi, later joined by Rori. Their journey began as high school friends and continued through their university years in Melbourne, where they were immersed in the city’s diverse world music and instrumental scenes. Their passion for music grew alongside their involvement in agroforestry and sustainability projects—experiences that deeply informed their creative direction. This dual exposure to sound and environment shaped their approach to storytelling through music. With the addition of Rori’s expressive guitar work, BABON expanded their sonic depth and emotional range, enhancing their live and recorded performances alike.

Tropical Desert is more than just an album—it is a narrative-driven journey that explores the tension between nature, society, and survival. The band’s trip to the historic Lokananta studio in Solo, Indonesia, reignited their appreciation for traditional Indonesian music and its deep, historical connections to worldwide sounds, shaped by centuries of colonization. By deconstructing the rich textures of keroncong and dangdut, BABON created a fusion that seamlessly blends traditional Indonesian rhythms with Western influences, creating a sound both timeless and contemporary. Their inspirations include legendary Spaghetti Western composers like Piero Umiliani and Henry Mancini, Latin grooves reminiscent of Trio Los Panchos, Afro-funk, Middle Eastern influences from Elias Rahbani, and the soul-funk vibrations of Menahan Street Band.

The album also features the only vocal track, “Pesan dari Gurun,” a pivotal moment in the album’s storytelling. This track showcases the voice of Frau, a highly respected figure in Indonesia’s indie-folk scene, whose soulful delivery amplifies the album’s core message. Her performance brings a deeply emotional and reflective element to the album, capturing the themes of loss, hope, and the urgent need to reconnect with nature.

Tropical Desert takes listeners on a journey that blends traditional sounds with modern influences, combining music with a powerful message. BABON’s debut offers a meaningful musical experience that speaks to the environmental and social challenges we face today.