Gong 2000 Album Laskar ((link))
The Spiritual Revolution: An Analysis of GONG’s Laskar (2000)
Laskar, released in 2000, stands as a significant milestone in the discography of Gong 2000, one of Indonesia’s most influential rock groups. Formed in the early 1990s as a creative offshoot of the legendary band God Bless, Gong 2000 brought together virtuoso musicians, most notably the iconic vocalist Ahmad Albar and the masterful guitarist Ian Antono. The album Laskar arrived during a period of transition in the Indonesian music industry, serving as a powerful reminder of the enduring appeal of rock music amidst the rising popularity of pop and alternative genres. Through its sophisticated instrumentation, poignant lyrics, and high production value, Laskar solidified Gong 2000’s legacy as architects of modern Indonesian rock.
The lineup for Laskar featured the core members of Gong 2000: legendary vocalist Ahmad Albar, guitar virtuoso Ian Antono, bassist Donny Fattah, and drummer Yaya Moektio. Their chemistry, honed over decades of playing together in both Gong 2000 and the legendary band God Bless, remained the backbone of the record. Ian Antono's production on the album was polished and modern, emphasizing clear vocal harmonies and atmospheric guitar textures. gong 2000 album laskar
What separates Gong 2000 from their predecessors was the production quality. The keyboard work is crisp, utilizing the "suling" (flute) sounds and synthetic strings to create a wall of sound that feels grandiose. The bass lines are funky and driving, locking in with the kendang (drum) patterns in a way that forces involuntary body movement.
Long live the Laskar.
Formed by virtuoso guitarist Ian Antono, Gong 2000 blended hard rock with ethnic Indonesian elements. Laskar is particularly notable for its collaboration with I Gusti Kompiang Raka, a leader of Balinese ethnic musicians, which added traditional textures to the band's heavy sound. The album was released through Metrotama Records. Tracklist
Background
Listening Guide (suggested)
- Play the album start-to-finish to experience the intended sequence and atmosphere.
- Focus on instrumentation: note interplay between guitar, keys, and sax/woodwinds.
- Listen for recurring melodic motifs and how they morph through improvisations.
- Revisit standout tracks and isolate sections (e.g., solos, interludes) to appreciate arrangement choices.
Gong's 2000 album "Laskar" is a studio album by the French/ British experimental rock band Gong. The album was released on May 22, 2000, through the label Virgin.